Effect of body mass on hibernation strategies of woodchucks (Marmota monax)

Integrative and Comparative Biology
Stam M ZervanosGregory L Florant

Abstract

The benefits of mammalian hibernation have been well documented. However, the physiological and ecological costs of torpor have been emphasized only recently as part of a hibernation-optimization hypothesis. This hypothesis predicts that hibernators with greater availability of energy minimize costs of torpor by less frequent utilization of torpor and by maintaining higher body temperatures (T(b)) during torpor. In order to further examine the relationship between body mass and other parameters of hibernation, we present data, collected over a 12-year period, on the hibernation patterns of free-living woodchucks (Marmota monax) in southeastern Pennsylvania. Body mass was positively correlated with T(b) and negatively correlated with percentage of the heterothermic period spent in torpor. Thus, woodchucks with greater mass exhibited less time in torpor as a proportion of their heterothermic period and at higher T(b) than those with lesser mass. This strategy potentially enhances the physiological and physical ability of woodchucks to defend territories, avoid predation, find mates, and complete the reproductive cycle upon emergence from hibernation. Our results further support the hibernation-optimization hypothesis by demonstra...Continue Reading

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Citations

May 4, 2016·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Carina SiutzEva Millesi
Jun 21, 2014·Integrative and Comparative Biology·Sandra L Martin, Anne D Yoder
Aug 19, 2016·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Franz HoelzlThomas Ruf
Jul 20, 2018·American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology·Mathieu WeittenCaroline Habold
Mar 22, 2014·Lab Animal·Monica Harrington
Jan 24, 2018·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Amanda D V MacCannellJames F Staples
Apr 19, 2017·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Carina Siutz, Eva Millesi
Mar 23, 2017·Journal of Comparative Physiology. B, Biochemical, Systemic, and Environmental Physiology·Marie TrefnaRobert H Henning
Apr 27, 2019·Applications in Plant Sciences·Susan FawcettEric J B von Wettberg
Aug 16, 2014·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Thomas Ruf, Fritz Geiser
Jan 22, 2021·Developmental and Comparative Immunology·Marcus FritzeGábor Á Czirják
Feb 26, 2021·Journal of Thermal Biology·Amanda D V MacCannell, James F Staples

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