Metabolic expenditure of submaximal locomotion in naked mole-rats (Heterocephalus glaber) and Damaraland mole-rats (Fukomys damarensis).

ABSTRACT: Despite extensive studies on the physiology of subterranean rodents, there is comparatively little work documenting the energetics specifically associated with their locomotory energetics. The energetic cost associated with burrowing is great and, in part, explains why subterranean species often maintain their burrows and tunnels across generations. Indeed, the digging metabolic rate of five African mole-rats has been determined to be between three and five times higher than their respective resting metabolic rate, yet the energetic cost of non-digging locomotion (i.e. walking) has not been recorded. Digging in most subterranean species tends to lead to specialisation of the forelimbs and teeth, which may significantly affect the energetic cost associated with non-digging locomotion. Unlik

SUBMITTER: Thirkell JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12268170 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature