NicheMapR – an R package for biophysical modelling: the endotherm model

Abstract

Endothermic organisms typically maintain high and relatively constant body temperatures in the face of environmental variation by regulating their metabolic and water loss rates in conjunction with behavioural and postural adjustments. A mechanistic understanding of these processes provides a perspective of the fundamental niches of endotherms by quantifying their energy and water requirements, restrictions on habitat use and survival limits. Here we introduce and document the endotherm model of NicheMapR, an R package that includes a suite of programs for the mechanistic modelling of energy and mass exchange between organisms and their environments. The NicheMapR endotherm model is based on..