Metabolic Ageing In Individual Zebra Finches

Main Category: Veterinary
Also Included In: Biology / Biochemistry
Article Date: 08 Oct 2008 - 4:00 PST

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This study investigated the basal metabolic rate (BMR) in individual zebra finches as they aged in captivity. BMR is a measure of the energy consumption of organisms when they are at rest.

In captivity we could measure the same individuals repeatedly when they were 1, 3 and 5 years of age. This covered a substantial proportion of the maximum lifespan of this small bird species.

Interestingly, the results showed that BMR decreased as they aged. This is similar to what has been reported for humans, and we think that these results may contribute to the understanding of ageing patterns. Contact: Dr Børge Moe, Norwegian Institite for Nature

Royal Society journal Biology Letters

Biology Letters publishes short, innovative and cutting-edge research articles and opinion pieces accessible to scientists from across the biological sciences. The journal is characterised by stringent peer-review, rapid publication and broad dissemination of succinct high-quality research communications.

Biology Letters