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Annual cycles of body weight in the Namie's frosted bat, Vespertilio superans superans
Author(s) -
Funakoshi Kimitake,
Uchida Teru Aki
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1982.tb03512.x
Subject(s) - biology , hibernation (computing) , rhythm , zeitgeber , circannual rhythm , zoology , ecology , circadian rhythm , endocrinology , medicine , circadian clock , state (computer science) , algorithm , computer science
In order to elucidate the circannual cycles of fat deposition and depletion in hibernating bats, annual rhythm of body weight was examined in Vespertilio superans superans under a variety of environmental conditions. Under near natural conditions, adult females put on weight rapidly from October to November. The laboratory born subadult females kept in constant darkness at warm temperature gained weight at the same time as the adults. The length of weight cycle was about 10 months in adult females kept in 14 L : 10 D at about 24°C. These results suggest that cycles of fat deposition and loss are controlled by a modifiable endogenous circannual rhythm. Body weight rhythm persisted normally under warmer environmental conditions preventing the bats from hibernation. It is considered that the circannual cycles of fat gain and loss are relatively stable and not dependent on the hibernation cycle. Prolonged gestation period and delayed beginning of lactation by cold environment in summer did not affect the body weight rhythm. Temperature may be a more important environmental stimulus (or Zeitgeber) for the circannual rhythm than light and its effects may vary with phases.