ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE
Climate is rapidly changing, and animals are faced with rising temperature and greater frequency of extreme weather events. The ability of organisms to adapt to their thermal environment therefore determines the amount of energy available for maintenance, foraging, reproduction and survival. Endotherms are often considered to be homeothermic, because they maintain a relatively constant body temperature. However, control of body surface temperature allows animals to conserve or dissipate heat when faced with a thermal challenge. This research aims to understand how the environment influences body temperature and energy use in a range of species.
Miniature thermistor transmitters allow continuous measurement of both activity and body temperature in wild birds as small as great tits (Parus major). The transmitter antenna can be seen parallel to the bird’s back in the right hand image.
Credits: B. Helm, P. Jerem