A Mesocosm Experiment in Ecological Physiology: The Modulation of Energy Budget in a Hibernating Marsupial under Chronic Caloric Restriction

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dc.contributor.authorNespolo, Roberto F.
dc.contributor.authorFonturbel, Francisco E.
dc.contributor.authorMejias, Carlos
dc.contributor.authorContreras, Rodrigo
dc.contributor.authorGutierrez, Paulina
dc.contributor.authorOda, Esteban
dc.contributor.authorSabat, Pablo
dc.contributor.authorHambly, Catherine
dc.contributor.authorSpeakman, John R.
dc.contributor.authorBozinovic, Francisco
dc.date.accessioned2025-01-20T22:01:23Z
dc.date.available2025-01-20T22:01:23Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractDuring the past 60 years, mammalian hibernation (i.e., seasonal torpor) has been interpreted as a physiological adaptation for energy economy. However, direct field comparisons of energy expenditure and torpor use in hibernating and active free-ranging animals are scarce. Here, we followed the complete hibernation cycle of a fat-storing hibernator, the marsupial Dromiciops gliroides, in its natural habitat. Using replicated mesocosms, we experimentally manipulated energy availability and measured torpor use, hibernacula use, and social clustering throughout the entire hibernation season. Also, we measured energy flow using daily food intake, daily energy expenditure (DEE), and basal metabolic rate (BMR) in winter. We hypothesized that when facing chronic caloric restriction (CCR), a hibernator should maximize torpor frequency to compensate for the energetic deficit, compared with individuals fed ad lib. (controls). However, being torpid at low temperatures could increase other burdens (e.g., cost of rewarming, freezing risks). Our results revealed that CCR animals, compared with control animals, did not promote heat conservation strategies (i.e., clustering and hibernacula use). Instead, they gradually increased torpor frequency and reduced DEE and, as a consequence, recovered weight at the end of the season. Also, CCR animals consumed food at a rate of 50.8 kJ d(-1), whereas control animals consumed food at a rate of 98.4 kJ d(-1). Similarly, the DEE of CCR animals in winter was 47.3 & PLUSMN;5.64 kJ d(-1), which was significantly lower than control animals (DEE=88.0 & PLUSMN;5.84 kJ d(-1)). However, BMR and lean mass of CCR and control animals did not vary significantly, suggesting that animals maintained full metabolic capacities. This study shows that the use of torpor can be modulated depending on energy supply, thus optimizing energy budgeting. This plasticity in the use of heterothermy as an energy-saving strategy would explain the occurrence of this marsupial in a broad latitudinal and altitudinal range. Overall, this study suggests that hibernation is a powerful strategy to modulate energy expenditure in mammals from temperate regions.
dc.fuente.origenWOS
dc.identifier.doi10.1086/717760
dc.identifier.eissn1537-5293
dc.identifier.issn1522-2152
dc.identifier.urihttps://doi.org/10.1086/717760
dc.identifier.urihttps://repositorio.uc.cl/handle/11534/93819
dc.identifier.wosidWOS:000730905100001
dc.issue.numero1
dc.language.isoen
dc.pagina.final81
dc.pagina.inicio66
dc.revistaPhysiological and biochemical zoology
dc.rightsacceso restringido
dc.subjectbehavioral thermoregulation
dc.subjectchronic caloric restriction
dc.subjectdaily energy expenditure
dc.subjectdoubly labeled water
dc.subjectenergy budget
dc.subjecthibernation
dc.subjectmarsupial
dc.subjectsocial clustering
dc.subject.ods15 Life on Land
dc.subject.ods13 Climate Action
dc.subject.odspa15 Vida de ecosistemas terrestres
dc.subject.odspa13 Acción por el clima
dc.titleA Mesocosm Experiment in Ecological Physiology: The Modulation of Energy Budget in a Hibernating Marsupial under Chronic Caloric Restriction
dc.typeartículo
dc.volumen95
sipa.indexWOS
sipa.trazabilidadWOS;2025-01-12
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