Bioenergetics and food preferences in sympatric southern Chilean rodents.

Ecological divergences in two congeneric sympatric woodland rodents, Akodon olivaceus brachiotis and Akodon longipilis apta (Family Cricetidae) was demonstrated from determination of energetic bud gets and food preferences. It was found that each species posseses a different bioenergetic strategy. The heavier (A. longipilis) species has a larger daily energetic budget as compared to the lighter one (A. olivaceus). This phenomenon can be partially explained by their differential selection of seeds.Finally, it is hypothesized that these ecological differences could be important in enabling the coexistence for these species.