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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Mass and energy budgets of animals: behavioral and ecological implications. Progress report, December 1, 1984-July 1985

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5267184
We continue to put considerable effort into analysis of the dynamics of interactions between environmental and animal variance and its implications for growth and reproduction. We have completed the physiological experiments necessary for defining a complete mass and energy budget for two species of lizards, Uta stansburiana, and Sceloporus undulatus. We have completed the programming and are evaluating calculations for potential growth and reproduction for Sceloporus undulatus for the sandhill country of western Nebraska, where we have field data on microclimates, doubly labeled water measurements, and growth and reproduction measurements to do a thorough test of the microclimate and ectotherm models that together calculate potential growth and reproduction. The doubly labeled water analysis system is calibrated and running very well. We are just beginning analysis of the lizard samples from Nebraska. In deer mice, marmots and prairie dogs we have found significant diurnal and seasonal changes in body temperature and activity times. Deer mice in the field may exhibit 6-7 degree and as much as 20 degree body temperature changes in 15 to 20 minute intervals. Winter work in Jackson Hole at -40C showed capability for core temperature drops in deer mice of 8C in one minute and full recovery once the animal could burrow into the snow. Our calculations show that this variability saves significantly in energy costs.
Research Organization:
Wisconsin Univ., Madison (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-76EV02270
OSTI ID:
5267184
Report Number(s):
DOE/EV/02270-13; ON: DE86000007
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English