Abstract
With bioenergetic modeling, we tested the hypothesis that reptiles maximize net energy gain by postprandial thermal selection. Previous studies have shown that Chinese green tree vipers (Trimeresurus s. stejnegeri) have postprandial thermophily (mean preferred temperature Tp for males = 27.8 °C) in a linear thigmothermal gradient when seclusion sites and water existed. With some published empirical models of digestion associated factors for this snake, we calculated the average rate (Enet) and efficiency (Knet) of net energy gain from possible combinations of meal size, activity level, and feeding frequency at each temperature. The simulations consistently revealed that Enet maximizes at the Tp of these snakes. Although the Knet peaks at a lower temperature than Enet, the value of Knet remains high (> = 0.85 in ratio to maximum) at the peak temperature of Enet. This suggested that the demands of both Enet and Knet can be attained by postprandial thermal selection in this snake. In conclusion, the data support our prediction that postprandial thermal selection may maximize net energy gain.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 394-400 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - A Molecular and Integrative Physiology |
| Volume | 154 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 Nov 1 |
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Keywords
- Feeding frequency
- Meal size
- Metabolic rate
- Multiple regressions
- Rate and efficiency
- Specific dynamic action
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Cite this
Bioenergetic modeling reveals that Chinese green tree vipers select postprandial temperatures in laboratory thermal gradients that maximize net energy intake. / Tsai, Tein Shun; Lee, How Jing; Tu, Ming-Chung.
In: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - A Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Vol. 154, No. 3, 01.11.2009, p. 394-400.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Bioenergetic modeling reveals that Chinese green tree vipers select postprandial temperatures in laboratory thermal gradients that maximize net energy intake
AU - Tsai, Tein Shun
AU - Lee, How Jing
AU - Tu, Ming-Chung
PY - 2009/11/1
Y1 - 2009/11/1
N2 - With bioenergetic modeling, we tested the hypothesis that reptiles maximize net energy gain by postprandial thermal selection. Previous studies have shown that Chinese green tree vipers (Trimeresurus s. stejnegeri) have postprandial thermophily (mean preferred temperature Tp for males = 27.8 °C) in a linear thigmothermal gradient when seclusion sites and water existed. With some published empirical models of digestion associated factors for this snake, we calculated the average rate (Enet) and efficiency (Knet) of net energy gain from possible combinations of meal size, activity level, and feeding frequency at each temperature. The simulations consistently revealed that Enet maximizes at the Tp of these snakes. Although the Knet peaks at a lower temperature than Enet, the value of Knet remains high (> = 0.85 in ratio to maximum) at the peak temperature of Enet. This suggested that the demands of both Enet and Knet can be attained by postprandial thermal selection in this snake. In conclusion, the data support our prediction that postprandial thermal selection may maximize net energy gain.
AB - With bioenergetic modeling, we tested the hypothesis that reptiles maximize net energy gain by postprandial thermal selection. Previous studies have shown that Chinese green tree vipers (Trimeresurus s. stejnegeri) have postprandial thermophily (mean preferred temperature Tp for males = 27.8 °C) in a linear thigmothermal gradient when seclusion sites and water existed. With some published empirical models of digestion associated factors for this snake, we calculated the average rate (Enet) and efficiency (Knet) of net energy gain from possible combinations of meal size, activity level, and feeding frequency at each temperature. The simulations consistently revealed that Enet maximizes at the Tp of these snakes. Although the Knet peaks at a lower temperature than Enet, the value of Knet remains high (> = 0.85 in ratio to maximum) at the peak temperature of Enet. This suggested that the demands of both Enet and Knet can be attained by postprandial thermal selection in this snake. In conclusion, the data support our prediction that postprandial thermal selection may maximize net energy gain.
KW - Feeding frequency
KW - Meal size
KW - Metabolic rate
KW - Multiple regressions
KW - Rate and efficiency
KW - Specific dynamic action
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UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=70149087719&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.07.011
DO - 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.07.011
M3 - Article
VL - 154
SP - 394
EP - 400
JO - Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -Part A : Molecular and Integrative Physiology
JF - Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -Part A : Molecular and Integrative Physiology
SN - 1095-6433
IS - 3
ER -