Energetics and Torpor in the Atacama Desert-Dwelling Rodent Phyllotis darwinirupestris

Abstract

The energetics of the sigmodontine rodent Phyllotis darwini rupestris , inhabiting the Pacific coastal desert of northern Chile was studied. To determine torpor states, we measured rates of oxygen consumption at different ambient temperatures, with and without food. The combination of its low basal metabolic rate coupled with its capability to enter torpor under food restriction, may allow this species to inhabit variable and unpredictable environments.