Timing of breeding in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ochrotomys nuttalli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Peromyscus leucopus</Emphasis> is related to a latitudinal isotherm |
| |
| Authors: | Nathan L Pratt Gary W Barrett |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green ST, Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA;(2) Eugene P. Odum Chair in Ecology, Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 E Green ST, Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA; |
| |
| Abstract: | Previous comparative studies on patterns of reproduction in small-mammal species focus primarily on latitudinal differences
in average litter size. Few studies compare reproductive patterns among northern and southern populations at the landscape
scale. Our study compares differences in seasonal patterns of reproduction in northern and southern populations of the golden
mouse, Ochrotomys nuttalli, and the white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. These are remarkably similar species with regard to bioenergetics, body mass, feeding behavior, home-range size, natural
history, nest-site preference, and periods of activity. Both species also exhibit very similar intraspecific seasonal patterns
of reproduction across their respective geographic ranges. We found that O. nuttalli and P. leucopus switch from a summer breeding season, extending from late spring through early autumn in the north to a winter breeding season
extending from late autumn through early spring in the south, near the isotherm where mean annual temperature is 15.6°C (60°F),
or approximately 35° N latitude. This latitudinal isotherm provides a geographic benchmark to address future changes in patterns
of reproduction attributed to climate change. Findings also suggest that length of the breeding season and patterns of reproduction
between species partially explain why P. leucopus is typically more abundant than O. nuttalli in similar habitat types. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
