Effects of short-term acclimation on thermoregulatory responses of the rock kestrel, Falco rupicolus |
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Authors: | NG Bush M BrownCT Downs |
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Institution: | School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa |
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Abstract: | The effects of a short-term acclimation period on basal metabolic rate (BMR) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured in captive-bred Rock Kestrels (Falco rupicolus). Birds were exposed to winter conditions (pre-acclimation) in a semi-natural environment before they were acclimated for a period of 3 weeks at a constant temperature of 25 °C and a constant light:dark cycle (12:12 h) (post-acclimation). After acclimation the kestrels showed changes in RMR, BMR and the width of the thermoneutral zone. There was inter- and intra-individual phenotypic plasticity in BMR and RMR both pre- and post-acclimation. However, more inter-individual variation was seen after acclimation. This study concurs with recent suggestions that phenotypic plasticity in BMR is prevalent in avian physiology, and thus a single-species-specific BMR value may not be representative. Furthermore, comparative avian studies of BMR need to account for phenotypic plasticity. |
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Keywords: | BMR (basal metabolic rate) RMR (resting metabolic rate) Acclimation Phenotypic plasticity Falco rupicolus |
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