Metabolism and thermoregulation in the tree shrew, Tupaia belangeri

Abstract

Maximum metabolic rate is a physiological limitation that is an important for animals' survival, reproduction and geographic. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), and maximum metabolic rate (MMR) were measured was in a small mammal species, Tupaia belangeri, which is a unique species of small-bodied mammals in the Oriental realm. Thermal neutral zone (TNZ) was 30 - 35°C and BMR was 1.38±0.09 ml g-1 h-1. NST and MMR were 2.64±0.08 ml g-1 h-1 and 7.14±0.38 ml g-1 h-1 in summer, respectively. The ecophysiological properties of relatively high body temperature, wide TNZ, low BMR and thermogenic capacity enable this species to adapt to its environment.

Keywords

• Basal metabolic rate
• Maximum metabolic rate
• Nonshivering thermogenesis
• Tupaia belangeri