What does infrared thermography tell us about the evolutionary potential of heat tolerance in endotherms?

Evolution Letters, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 9(2), P. 184 - 188

Published: Jan. 2, 2025

Abstract Anthropogenic climate change affects wild animal populations through increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme climatic events. Endotherms have evolved the capacity to regulate their body temperature but little is still known about how they can physiologically adapt pace of global warming. Adaptive responses would require that heat-tolerance mechanisms, such as withstand high evaporative water loss, exhibit sufficient heritable genetic variation for selection act upon. Unfortunately, quantitative genetics these traits in endotherms remains poorly understood. In a recent study using infrared thermography (IRT) on semi-captive ostriches, Svensson et al., (Heritable thermal profiles associated with reproductive success world’s largest bird. Evolution Letters, 8(2), 200–211.) sought address this knowledge gap by measuring relative heat exchange from head neck assessing link between among-individual dissipation fitness. We discuss IRT serves valuable tool non-invasive data collecting, highlighting its potential field studies evolutionary tolerance. Nevertheless, interpreting not straightforward it may seem thus must be conducted carefully. For instance, parts which surface are measured need unequivocally identified sources dry order inform thermoregulation—something lacking mentioned study. Furthermore, there no conclusive evidence reflect core endotherms. Critical underlying mechanisms response, cooling, also considered. Assumptions stemming uncertain proxies thermoregulation obscure our understanding endothermic adaptation rapid These considerations emphasize that, while developing approaches estimate tolerance endotherms—particularly species most vulnerable warming, application warrants careful planning.

Language: Английский

Editorial: Methods in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology – Challenges and Opportunities

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 111094 - 111094

Published: March 1, 2025

Language: Английский