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USGS · 70029423

Physically modeling operative temperatures and evaporation rates in amphibians

P.E. Bartelt·C.R. Peterson
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Abstract

(1) We designed a physical model that simulates the thermal and evaporative properties of live Western toads ( Bufo boreas ). (2) In controlled tests, the model tracked the body temperature of live toads with an average error of 0.3±0.03 °C (test range=4–30 °C). (3) It estimated the evaporative water loss of live toads with an average error of 0.35–0.65 g/h, or about 14% (test range=0.7–9 g/h). (4) Data collected with this physical model should provide an effective way for biologists to better understand habitat selection in toads and other amphibians.

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Journal of Thermal BiologyArticle

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BibTeXRIS

P.E. Bartelt, C.R. Peterson. 2005. Physically modeling operative temperatures and evaporation rates in amphibians. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtherbio.2004.07.007

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