TORPIDITY IN MAMMALS

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the concept of hibernation in mammals. Many so-called hibernators do not encounter very low ambient temperatures because they can retreat to microenvironments where are encountered or live regions moderate climate. Some these species diurnal, and confronted with problems high temperature water is also limited. If any seldom seen during hot, dry periods, it frequently assumed dormant. Such have been called estivators. The only example a mammal torpid exclusively period dormancy thought be induced directly as result shortage white-footed mouse Peromyscus eremicus. small mammals lower their body for short periods time, some cases spontaneously others consequence food deprivation return normothermic levels. There considerable variation depth which permit drop. hibernate. Heterothermy has often used describe wide fluctuations temperature, may kind daily torpor. spectrum physiological features among various types reflect habitat adapted, view difficulty delineating hibernation, estivation, torpor, useful use more general term such torpidity.