Hypoxia-induced torpor in pocket mice (genus: Perognathus)

1. 1. The data from seven species of pocket mice, members of the genus Perognathus, indicate that the ability to spontaneously rewarm from artificially induced torpor is similar to that response usually associated with hibernators. 2. 2. Survival time in hypothermia varies within the genus from a few hours to about 6 days. 3. 3. Ability to rewarm from induced torpor and survival in hypothermia follows the taxonomic dichotomy at the subgenus level ( Perognathus vs. Chaetodipus). 4. 4. Several species gave evidence that a well-regulated metabolism can be maintained in moderate torpor to keep the species above a critical temperature of rewarming.