Oxygen consumption, thermoregulation, and the effect of fur oiling and washing on the sea otter, Enhydra lutris

摘要: The relative importance of a water-repellent fur was assessed by changes in oxygen consumption and body subcutaneous temperatures before after oiling washing 15 °C water. In addition, posture five sea otters were measured while immersed water from 5 to 30 °C. Measurements made an enclosed bath with Vo2 determined open-flow respirometry. Core telemetered. Resting 11.7 mL O2∙kg−1∙min−1 did not significantly increase decreasing temperature. Average active increased (16.0 mL O2∙kg−1∙min−1) 41% (22.0 mL 20% the total surface more than doubled (32.6 mL washing. Oiling reduced fur's insulating quality. result energetic liability, since average maintenance water; this temperature is above typical for species, which range ...