The effects of temperature and photoperiod on activity in the red squirrel,Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Title:
The effects of temperature and photoperiod on activity in the red squirrel,Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Author:
Bahnak, Bruce R. Kramm, Kenneth R.
Appeared in:
Biological rhythm research
Paging:
Volume 10 (1979) nr. 1 pages 51-56
Year:
1979-04
Contents:
Wheel-running activity of ten red squirrels,Tamiasciurus hudsonicus, was monitored to determine how temperature and light-dark cycles affect (1) the number of days required for entrainment; and (2) the phasing, amount and form of wheel-running activity. The squirrels were individually housed at either a constant temperature of 20 ± 4°C or a temperature cycle of 6.5 ± 2 to 35 ± 2°C. A 12: 12 (207: 0 lx) light-dark cycle was supplied by an incandescent bulb. The application of the temperature cycle had no apparent effect on the entrainment process proper. However, the phasing of activity onset was delayed by about 42 minutes, wheel running became less intense, and the activity pattern became divided into two components, with little wheel running when temperatures reached or exceeded 30°C.
Journal description