Photoperiodic Effects On Thermoregulation in A ‘Blind’ Subterranean Mammal

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Abstract
Thermoregulatory responses to changes in photoperiod were studied in the ‘blind’ mole rat Spalax ehrenbergi (Nehring). Acclimation of coldsensitive individuals to short photoperiod (8L: 16D) at an ambient temperature (Ta) of 22 °C increased their thermoregulatory capacity in cold conditions, when compared to individuals which were acclimated to a photoperiod of 12L: 12D at the same Ta. Acclimation of cold-resistant individuals to Ta= 17 °C but with a photoperiod of 16L:8D caused a decrease in thermoregulatory capacity. Evaluation of the visual pathway through the visual-evoked potentials showed that the mole rat does not respond to flash stimuli and can thus be considered to be effectively blind.