Effect of the life history pattern on bioenergetic parameters of northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus Pall.) in a mountain taiga population from the south of Western Siberia

To test the hypothesis of relationship between the age at maturity, metabolic rate, and life span of rodents, variation in bioenergetic parameters in northern red-backed voles (Myodes rutilus) was analyzed depending on their reproductive status and type of ontogeny. Standard metabolic rate was found to be significantly lower in young of the year that remained nonreproductive in the year of birth than in reproductive young of the year and overwintered voles. Maximal metabolic rate and the ability to maintain temperature homeostasis under cold exposure were independent of reproductive status and life history pattern but varied depending on phases of the population cycle, increasing in years with low animal abundance.