Thermoregulatory constraints on the microhabitat use by cricetid rodents in central chile

Abstract

The energetic cost of thermoregulation related to microhabitat use by nocturnal rodents is studied in four rodent species from central Chile. Rodents concentrate their activity under shrub canopies, avoiding open areas. These microhabitats are thermally similar and energy expenditure is expected to be similar in both. Therefore, thermoregulatory constraints related to microhabitat use appear to be nil in comparison with biotic factors. © 1992, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.