Mammalian Energetics

Although all mammals use energy for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and thermoregulation, the myriad of factors that regulate, limit, and cue these energy expenses make the study of energetics varied and challenging. In this book thirteen leading scientists from different research specializations blend theory and data to provide an integrated approach to the study of what mammals do with the energy they consume.

The authors present varied perspectives on physiological studies of mammals and on the contributions these studies make to our understanding of mammalian ecology, evolution, and reproduction. While presenting data on specific physiological processes in an evolutionary context, they also demonstrate how assumptions, explicit or implicit, about the use of energy by mammals can influence the interpretation of data and the fundamental design of experiments.

The volume opens with a historical review of research in energetics. The following six chapters treat topics on maximum metabolism, aquatic locomotion, morphophysiology, dormancy allometry, and phenotypic responses to the seasonal environment. The last three chapters deal with reproductive phsyiology. Throughout, the common theme is the exhamination of the costs and benefits of physiological processes.

With its interdisciplinary and comparative approach, Mammalian Energetics suggests avenus of future research into the diversity and utility of energy allocation strategies. It will be of great interest to mammologists, physiological ecologists, and evolutionary biologists.

Thomas E. Tomasi is Assistant Professor of Biology at Southwest Missouri State University. Teresa H. Horton is Assistant Professor of Biology at Kent State University.