Temperature selection and activity of the Norwegian Lemming Lemmus lemmus (L.) in a temperature gradient apparatus

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Eivind Østbye

Abstract

Tested in a temperature gradient apparatus the Norwegian lemming seemed to show a seasonal trend in temperature selection ranging from 21.6°C ±10.5 in summer, over 18.6°C ±10.9 in autumn to 15.9°C ±12.8 in winter. Different activities such as voiding, grooming, attacking and resting were recorded during the experiments. Possible relationships between the selected temperature (ST) and the selected temperature zone (STZ) found experimentally and the natural habitat of the Norwegian lemming, together with some physiological aspects, are discussed. Both ST and STZ are higher than the temperature regime prevailing in lemming habitats during the year. The coincidence of such physiological parameters as the critical temperature and the temperature pertaining to the lowest and most stable rate of oxygen consumption seems to indicate that ST is in the temperature zone with the lowest energy expenditure for maintenance of a constant body temperature.

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How to Cite
Østbye, E. (1989). Temperature selection and activity of the Norwegian Lemming Lemmus lemmus (L.) in a temperature gradient apparatus. Fauna Norvegica, 10, 5-12. https://doi.org/10.5324/fn.v10i0.6071
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