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Seasonality in Mammals

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Phenology and Seasonality Modeling

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 8))

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Abstract

Seasonality is commonly observed among mammals. As a phenomenon it represents the integrated evolutionary and homeostatic responses of populations to a series of complex interactions of biological and physical variables. Despite this complexity, certain principles are obviously applicable to the study of seasonality. An organism must convert available resources into as many or more viable offspring than its intra- and interspecific competitors or else its genotype will decrease in relative frequency. If the various species populations are close enough to carrying capacity for the operation of some form of density-dependent feedback control, then the efficiency of energy conversion becomes an important factor in the outcome of the competitive interactions. Widescale environmental fluctuations change the functional efficiencies of organisms. Mammals, by developing homeothermy, have extended their range of peak physiological performance and tolerance and have gained certain advantages for the price of higher energy requirements for maintenance metabolism. Thus it is especially important in a discussion of mammals to recognize that seasonal changes in populational characteristics and energetics are directly related.

Preparation of the Manuscript was supported by Contract AT(38–1)-310 between the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the University of Georgia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA

    Michael H. Smith

  2. Department of Zoology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30601, USA

    Michael H. Smith

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  1. Michael H. Smith
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, USA

    Helmut Lieth Ph.D. (Professor of Botany and Ecology) (Professor of Botany and Ecology)

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Smith, M.H. (1974). Seasonality in Mammals. In: Lieth, H. (eds) Phenology and Seasonality Modeling. Ecological Studies, vol 8. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-51863-8_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-51863-8_13

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