Oxygen consumption in the tortoise, Testudo hermanni G., subjected to sudden temperature changes in summer and autumn.
A respirometer for long-term measurements of oxygen consumption in terrestrial vertebrates is described. The tortoise, Testudo hermanni Gmelin, investigated in summer and autumn, presents a day-night rhythm of oxygen consumption at 28 and 18 degrees C but not at 8 degrees C. The standard metabolic rate presents an important and constant thermal dependence in the range 8-18-28 degrees C.
D000064:Acclimatization; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D012621:Seasons; D013696:Temperature; D014426:Turtles / Q000502:physiology*