Ecological Physiology and Behavior in the Genus Ctenomys

Abstract

The understanding of the diversity of behavioral and physiological responses associated with the challenges of underground life requires expanding our attention to groups of underground rodents that have not yet been considered in detail. Here we review data published in the genus Ctenomys considering behavioral and physiological responses to underground environmental conditions and food resources, as well as those exploring interactions with conspecific and heterospecific individuals. A wide scope of topics was covered, namely: a) sensory biology, b) stress response and individual condition, c) energy, water balance and thermoregulation, d) intraspecific interactions; specifically, physiology and behavior of territorial defense and reproduction, and e) interspecific interactions; in particular, physiology and behavior of predator avoidance and immune defense against parasites and pathogens. The species studied represent only a quarter of the diversity of the genus, and several topics were assessed almost exclusively in C. talarum, which makes it difficult to identify general response patterns. However, while some patterns found regarding physiological and behavioral responses are clearly in accordance with what is expected for underground rodents; others are affected by different degrees of use of the underground habitat that characterize this genus.