Hibernation and Life Histories in Mammals
Author Information
Author(s): Christopher Turbill, Claudia Bieber, Thomas Ruf
Primary Institution: University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
Hypothesis
Hibernation allows small mammals to exhibit seasonal dormancy, which might increase survival and consequently be associated with relatively slow life histories.
Conclusion
Hibernation is linked to higher survival rates and the evolution of slower life histories in mammals.
Supporting Evidence
- Hibernators have approximately 15% higher annual survival than non-hibernators of similar size.
- Monthly survival was significantly higher during hibernation compared to the active season.
- Hibernation is associated with longer maximum life spans and slower reproductive rates.
Takeaway
Hibernating animals sleep for a long time during winter, which helps them live longer and have fewer babies compared to those that stay awake.
Methodology
The study used phylogenetically informed GLS models to analyze survival rates and life history traits among hibernating and non-hibernating mammals.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the overrepresentation of certain species in survival studies.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on rodents, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other mammalian orders.
Participant Demographics
The study included data from 19 species of hibernating mammals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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