Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
10:07
Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
Published on: November 6, 2015
Body temperature patterns in two syntopic elephant shrew species during winter
Justin G Boyles1, Ben Smit, Catherine L Sole
1Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. jgboyles@zoology.up.ac.za
Summary
Western rock elephant shrews exhibit daily heterothermy, lowering body temperature (T(b)) significantly during winter nights. Cape rock elephant shrews, however, maintain a stable T(b), showing distinct thermoregulatory strategies despite similar ecologies.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Physiology
- Ecology
Background:
- Two syntopic elephant shrew species, Western rock (Elephantulus rupestris) and Cape rock (E. edwardii), share similar ecologies and morphologies.
- Understanding thermoregulatory strategies is crucial for predicting species' responses to environmental changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the body temperature (T(b)) patterns of free-ranging Western and Cape rock elephant shrews during winter.
- To determine if these closely related species exhibit different thermoregulatory strategies.
Main Methods:
- Body temperature (T(b)) was measured in free-ranging individuals of both species in western South Africa during winter.
- Thermoregulatory patterns were analyzed in relation to ambient temperature (T(a)).
Main Results:
- Western rock elephant shrews displayed significant heterothermy, with T(b) dropping below 30°C on at least 34% of nights, inversely related to T(a).
- Cape rock elephant shrews rarely allowed T(b) to drop below 30°C, showing homeothermic patterns with no relation to T(a).
- Minimum T(b) in both species was predominantly recorded at night.
Conclusions:
- Interspecific variation in T(b) patterns highlights the importance of ecological factors influencing heterothermy.
- Thermoregulation strategies in Elephantulus species are shaped by interactions between ecology, body mass, and phylogeny.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:28Factors Affecting Body Temperature
As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may include:
Factors may include:
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
01:25Body Temperature
The body's temperature, measured in degrees, is determined by the balance between heat production and dissipation to the surrounding environment. For instance, if exercising vigorously, the body will produce more heat, causing sweat and dissipating that heat. Despite extreme environmental conditions and physical exertion, the human temperature-control system maintains a constant core body temperature (the temperature of deep tissues, which are the tissues located beneath the skin and other...
01:07Body Temperature
Body temperature reflects the equilibrium between heat production and heat loss within the body. Most heat is generated by metabolically active tissues, particularly the liver, heart, brain, kidneys, and endocrine organs. At rest, skeletal muscles contribute 20–30% of total heat production, but during vigorous exercise, this can increase up to 30–40 times.
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
The average body temperature is approximately 37°C (98.6°F) and typically ranges from 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F), remaining relatively stable...
01:26Thermoregulation
The human body has a sophisticated thermoregulation system that employs negative feedback mechanisms to maintain an optimal core temperature. When the core temperature drops, peripheral and central thermoreceptors send signals to the hypothalamus, activating the heat-promoting center. This center triggers several responses aimed at increasing the core temperature. First, vasoconstriction reduces the flow of warm blood from internal organs to the skin so that the heat is not lost from the skin,...