Respiration Versus Growth: Interindividual Differences in Energy Allocation

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The utilization of energy by animals in natural environments, particularly different individual patterns of energy allocation to such factors as growth and activity, is poorly known. This study will examine differences in energy allocation to respiration and growth in a natural population of vertebrates. Correlations among individuals in different aspects of respiratory metabolism (maintenance, maximal, and field) will also be determined as well as the genetic linkage between maintenance and maximal metabolic rates. The differential allocation of energy to lean growth and fate storage will be measured. The investigators will specifically examine how metabolic rates, body size, and body composition change during the active foraging season and the correlations among these factors.