Metabolism and thermoregulation in the Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus

Abstract

Oxygen consumption, thermal conductance and body temperature of Meriones unguiculatus (Milne-Edwards, 1867) were measured at a temperature range from 5 to 40C. The lowest mean metabolic rate (BMR) was 2.13 0.14 ml0 2 g" 1 h~\ which is higher than the predicted values based on their body mass. The thermal neutral zone (TNZ) was 26 to 38C. Mean body temperature below the TNZ was 38.4 0.5C. Mean thermal conductance below the TNZ was 0.179 0.037 ml0 2 g" 1 h" 1 CT 1 , which is also higher than predicted values based on their body mass. Thermoregulatory characteristics of Mongolian gerbils are very different from that found in arid-adapted small mammals. The extreme severe climate perhaps is the main selective force faced by Mongolian gerbils during their evolution with their macroenvironments.