The energetic consequences of behavioral variation in a marine carnivore.

ABSTRACT: Intraspecific variability in foraging behavior has been documented across a range of taxonomic groups, yet the energetic consequences of this variation are not well understood for many species. Understanding the effect of behavioral variation on energy expenditure and acquisition is particularly crucial for mammalian carnivores because they have high energy requirements that place considerable pressure on prey populations. To determine the influence of behavior on energy expenditure and balance, we combined simultaneous measurements of at-sea field metabolic rate (FMR) and foraging behavior in a marine carnivore that exhibits intraspecific behavioral variation, the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus). Sea lions exhibited variability in at-sea FMR, with some individuals expe

SUBMITTER: McHuron EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5916299 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature