Hayes, W. K., E. A. Verde, and F. E. Hayes. 1994. Cardiac responses during courtship, male-male
fighting, and other activities in rattlesnakes. Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Sciences 69:7-9.
Abstract.--Heart rates associated with sexual behavior were recorded in an adult male Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) via subdermal electrodes implanted adjacent to the heart. Cardiac rates were higher during male-male fighting than during courtship, indicating the more strenuous nature of fighting. Exhaustion may be an overlooked but important determinant of fighting success and duration. These comparisons and other studies of heart rates of snakes suggest that feeding, fighting, and defense require greater cardiac and metabolic support than courtship and exploratory behaviors, while behavioral sleep requires the least. |
