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Heterothermic Migration Strategies in Flying Vertebrates
Liam P McGuire1, Ryan Leys1, Quinn M R Webber2
1Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
Integrative and Comparative Biology
|June 6, 2023
Summary
Heterothermy, a state of altered body temperature, helps migrating bats and birds reduce energy costs during migration. This strategy, including torpor in bats, may be more common in birds than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Ecology
- Physiology
Background:
- Migration is a complex animal behavior influenced by individual physiology and energetics.
- Stopover periods during migration present challenges, especially thermoregulation for endotherms.
- Heterothermy is a key strategy to manage thermoregulatory costs in migrating animals.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes empirical evidence and theoretical models on heterothermy in migrating bats and birds.
- It examines the use of torpor and shallow heterothermy during migratory stopovers.
- The review also considers evolutionary implications of heterothermy.
Key Points:
- Torpor-assisted migration in bats reduces thermoregulatory costs, shortens stopovers, and lowers fuel needs.
- While most birds cannot enter deep torpor, many utilize shallower heterothermic strategies during migration.
- Evidence suggests heterothermic migration is more prevalent in birds than traditionally recognized.
Conclusions:
- Heterothermy is a crucial adaptation for migrating bats and birds, impacting energetics, movement, and survival.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the broad implications of heterothermic migration.
- Heterothermy may also represent an alternative to migration or a strategy to cope with seasonal resource scarcity.
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