I’m pleased to announce the publication of my new paper:
Sumich JL. Why Baja? A bioenergetic model for comparing metabolic rates and
thermoregulatory costs of gray whale calves (Eschrichtius robustus). Mar Mam
Sci. 2021;1–18.
ABSTRACT
A bioenergetic model is developed from empirically derived equations of
morphometric, ventilatory, and thermoregulatory variables to compare estimated
field metabolic rates (FMR) of gray whale calves to estimates of unregulated
body heat losses and consequent required thermogenesis at birth, natal lagoon
departure, and weaning. Estimates of FMR are based on rates of oxygen
consumption. Body surface and ventilatory heat fluxes are evaluated
separately, then combined to estimate minimum total heat losses from birth to
weaning at three ambient water temperature regimes typical of winter natal
lagoons and Oregon coastal waters and arctic conditions during summer.
Modelled heat losses of neonates in winter lagoons are half their
estimated mean FMR. Neonates in good body condition appear to be capable of
tolerating heat losses experienced in 10 ° C water without additional
thermogenic activities above their estimated resting metabolic rates. This
study provides new evidence that no thermoregulatory advantage accrues to
neonates or to their mothers by being born in warm winter natal lagoons or by
remaining there several weeks longer than other gray whales. Consequently,
avoidance or reduced risk of killer whale predation seems a more likely
candidate than reduced heat loss as the principal fitness benefit of
low-latitude winter migrations.
Link to the paper: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12778
<http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/mms.12778>
Please feel free to contact me: jlsumi...@gmail.com
<mailto:jlsumi...@gmail.com>
Jim
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