Temperature Regulation and Oxygen Consumption in the Philippine Tarsier Tarsius syrichta

Body temperature and rate of metabolism were measured in the Philippine tarsier, Tarsius syrichta, at ambient temperatures between 16 and 37 C. This primate maintained body temperature at 33.8 C or higher, depending on ambient temperature, had a basal rate that is 65% of the expected rate, and had a minimal thermal conductance that is 78% of expectations. Its basal rate is similar to those found in other, similarly sized, tropical mammals that feed on insects, or on a mixture of insects and fruit, including prosimians, tree shrews, and elephant shrews. Among these mammals, feeding principally on invertebrates, especially noxious insects, when coupled with larger masses, is associated with the lowest rates of metabolism. A tropical or subtropical distribution, small mass, insectivorous or insectivorous-frugivorous diet, low basal rate, and low body temperature may represent the suite of characteristics found in the earliest primates.

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