Phenotypic plasticity to chronic cold exposure in two species of Peromyscus from different environments

Effective thermoregulation is important for mammals, particularly those that remain winter-active. Adjustments in thermoregulatory capacity in response to chronic cold can improve capacities for metabolic heat production (cold-induced maximal oxygen consumption, V˙O2max$${\dot{\text{V}}\text{O}}_{{2}} {\text{max}}$$), minimize rates of heat loss (thermal conductance), or both. This can be challenging for animals living in chronically colder …