An efficient and inexpensive method for measuring long-term thermoregulatory behavior.

ABSTRACT: Thermoregulatory ability and behavior influence organismal responses to their environment. By measuring thermal preferences, researchers can better understand the effects that temperature tolerances have on ecological and physiological responses to both biotic and abiotic stressors. However, because of funding limitations and confounders, measuring thermoregulation can often be difficult. Here, we provide an effective, affordable (~$50 USD per unit), easy to construct, and validated apparatus for measuring the long-term thermal preferences of animals. In tests, the apparatus spanned temperatures from 9.29 to 33.94°C, and we provide methods to further increase this range. Additionally, we provide simple methods to non-invasively measure animal and substrate temperatures and to prevent tempe

SUBMITTER: Sauer EL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5012651 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature