Скачать или смотреть The (Etruscan) Shrew Experiment - A Space Lab Competition Entry

Note: When the term "hibernation" is used, it refers specifically to "torpor", a form of temporary hibernation.

The Adaptations of Small Mammals to Microgravity

Purpose:
The purpose of the experiment is to determine if a microgravity environment would inhibit a mammal's ability to hibernate. Also, the experiment will test the ability of a blind mammal to adapt to a microgravity environment.

Hypothesis:
It is hypothesized that apparent weightlessness will inhibit the shrew's ability to hibernate due to the stresses of the microgravity environment. The source of stress that is most likely to inhibit the shrew's ability to hibernate is the loss of inner-ear balance, as the impossibility of remaining static (still) for any duration of time.

It is also hypothesized that the shrew will adapt to the microgravity environment despite lacking sight. The shrew is expected to create a "mental map" of its surroundings and, in conjunction with its sense of smell when food is supplied, learn to navigate its habitat.

Method:
For the experiment, it has been decided upon to use an Etruscan shrew as the mammal, due to the fact that it is the smallest known mammal, it lacks sight, and it readily enters a state of hibernation. The habitat that is to be used for the experiment is Habitat 1 (i.e. the butterfly habitat), with slight modifications to accommodate a small mammal. The required modifications are minor and include coating the inside with polystyrene foam.

The shrew shall be contained in the habitat for a period of approximately three weeks, with waste being removed and food supplied three times a week. Hibernation will be encouraged through reducing the temperature of the habitat decreasing light.

Expected Result:
The expected results are that, in spite of efforts to stimulate hibernation, the shrew will be unable to enter a state of suspended animation (torpor). Nevertheless, the shrew should eventually adapt to apparent weightlessness and learn how to navigate and eat in microgravity, despite lacking sight.

Stewart Jamieson & Matthew Zvan
Corpus Christi Secondary School, Burlington, Ontario, Canada