A SMALL GERBIL THAT MAXIMIZES INTAKE OF ENERGY FROM LOW-ENERGY FOOD

Gerbillus henleyi (10 g) and Meriones crassus (73 g), coexisting deser t rodents, consumed similar proportions of seeds (0.84-0.88 of total d ry-matter intake) when offered miller seeds and the plant Hammada sali cornica ad lib. However, based on differences in body size, we predict ed that the smaller G. henleyi would consume a more energy-rich diet t han M. crassus. This occurred (digestible energy of 19.3 versus 17.2 k J g(-1) dry matter) as a result of differences in energy intake of H. salicornica. G. henleyi consumed this plant after shredding it, wherea s M. crassus consumed it in toto.