Ecological physiology of daily torpor and hibernation / Fritz Geiser
Geiser, Fritz, author.
2021
QL755
Available Online

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Title Ecological physiology of daily torpor and hibernation / Fritz Geiser
Author Geiser, Fritz, author.
ISBN 9783030755256 (electronic bk.)
3030755258 (electronic bk.)
303075524X
9783030755249
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-75525-6
Published Cham : Springer, 2021.
Language English
Description 1 online resource
Other Standard Identifiers 10.1007/978-3-030-75525-6 doi
Call Number QL755
Dewey Decimal Classification 599.05/43
Summary This book provides an in-depth overview on the functional ecology of daily torpor and hibernation in endothermic mammals and birds. The reader is well introduced to the physiology and thermal energetics of endothermy and underlying different types of torpor. Furthermore, evolution of endothermy as well as reproduction and survival strategies of heterothermic animals in a changing environment are discussed. Endothermic mammals and birds can use internal heat production fueled by ingested food to maintain a high body temperature. As food in the wild is not always available, many birds and mammals periodically abandon energetically costly homeothermic thermoregulation and enter an energy-conserving state of torpor, which is the topic of this book. Daily torpor and hibernation (multiday torpor) in these heterothermic endotherms are the most effective means for energy conservation available to endotherms and are characterized by pronounced temporal and controlled reductions in body temperature, energy expenditure, water loss, and other physiological functions. Hibernators express multiday torpor predominately throughout winter, which substantially enhances winter survival. In contrast, daily heterotherms use daily torpor lasting for several hours usually during the rest phase, some throughout the year. Although torpor is still widely considered to be a specific adaptation of a few cold-climate species, it is used by many animals from all climate zones, including the tropics, and is highly diverse with about 25-50% of all mammals, but fewer birds, estimated to use it. While energy conservation during adverse conditions is an important function of torpor, it is also employed to permit or facilitate energy-demanding processes such as reproduction and growth, especially when food supply is limited. Even migrating birds enter torpor to conserve energy for the next stage of migration, whereas bats may use it to deal with heat. Even though many heterothermic species will be challenged by anthropogenic influences such as habitat destruction, introduced species, novel pathogens and specifically global warming, not all are likely to be affected in the same way. In fact it appears that opportunistic heterotherms because of their highly flexible energy requirements, ability to limit foraging and reduce the risk of predation, and often pronounced longevity, may be better equipped to deal with anthropogenic challenges than homeotherms. In contrast strongly seasonal hibernators, especially those restricted to mountain tops, and those that have to deal with new diseases that are difficult to combat at low body temperatures, are likely to be adversely affected. This book addresses researchers and advanced students in Zoology, Ecology and Veterinary Sciences.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references and index.
Access Note Access limited to authorized users.
Digital File Characteristics text file
PDF
Series Fascinating life sciences, 2509-6753
Available in Other Form Print version: 9783030755249
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Chapter 1. Introduction, Background and Definitions
Chapter 2. Quantifying Torpor
Chapter 3. Diversity and Geography of Torpor and Heterothermy
Chapter 4. Patterns and Expression of Torpor
Chapter 5. Physiology and Thermal Biology
Chapter 6. Seasonality of Daily Torpor and Hibernation
Chapter 7. Ecological and Behavioural Aspects of Torpor
Chapter 8. Torpor during Reproduction and Development
Chapter 9. Dietary Lipids, Thermoregulation and Torpor Expression
Chapter 10. Evolution of Endothermy and Torpor
Chapter 11. Concluding Remarks.

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