Development of Temperature Control in Nestling House Wrens

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Body temp. in Troglodytes a. aedon were studied under controlled laboratory conditions and under natural conditions by mercury thermometers, thermocouples, and self-recording apparatus. The nestlings at first are poikilothermic, but gradually in course of about 14 days become homoio-thermic like the adult. This development follows a sigmoid curve. From this curve the authors conclude that at least 4 factors are involved in the development of the temp. resistance (1) body mass, increasing faster than body surface; (2) development of a feather covering; (3) development of an internal dissipating surface in the lungs and air-sacs; (4) production of metabolic heat. Young house wrens have no effective resistance to extreme heat.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: