The objective of this proposal is to strengthen the laboratory component of upper division courses in Vertebrate Physiology and Mammalogy. A computer-interfaced metabolic system, the Eco-0xymax, allows the evaluation of V02, C02 and respiratory quotient as critical metabolic factors for studying the principles and adaptive mechanisms of metabolism in small mammals at the individual, population, and comparative levels. Animals collected from northwestern Wisconsin are studied to monitor their seasonal metabolic adjustments throughout the year. The local environment, with its dramatic seasonal changes, serve as an "outdoor facility" that complements the laboratory aspects of the total exercise. Students become directly involved with the use of computers and the role they play in the reduction, analysis, storage and retrieval of data.
