Body temperature and behavior of tree shrews and flying squirrels in a thermal gradient

Journal/Book: Physiol Behav. 1998; 63: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 517-520.

Abstract: The daily rhythms of body temperature, temperature selection, and locomotor activity of tree shrews and flying squirrels were studied in a thermal gradient. In accordance with previous observations in other mammalian species, the rhythm of temperature selection was found to be 180 degrees our of phase with the body temperature rhythm in both species. Comparison of the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm in the presence and absence of the ambient temperature gradient indicated that behavioral temperature selection reduces the amplitude of the body temperature rhythm. This provides support for the hypothesis that the homeostatic control of body temperature opposes-rather than facilitates-the circadian oscillation in body temperature.

Note: Article Refinetti R, Montage Media Corp, 1000 Wyckoff Ave, Mahwah,NJ 07430 USA

Keyword(s): circadian rhythms; body temperature; thermopreferendum; locomotor activity; homeostasis; Tupaia belangeri; Glaucomys volans; OUT-OF-PHASE; GOLDEN-HAMSTER; CIRCADIAN-RHYTHM; SELECTION; LESIONS; RATS

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