The Ruby Throated Hummingbird has a resting heart rate of 250 beats per minute. When it is threatened or chased, it's heart rate can reach 1200 beats per minute. Predict its lifespan and justify your explanation.
To predict the lifespan of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird based on its heart rate, we need to consider its metabolic rate and other factors that influence its overall health and survival. Heart rate alone may not provide a complete justification for determining lifespan, but it can be a contributing factor.
Firstly, let's understand that the Ruby Throated Hummingbird has an exceptionally high metabolic rate due to its small size and rapid wing movement. Their high heart rate is necessary to deliver oxygen and nutrients to meet their energetic demands during flight.
On average, hummingbirds tend to have higher metabolic rates compared to other bird species. Higher metabolic rates translate into more energy expenditure and shorter lifespans. Despite that, hummingbirds have evolved to have some remarkable adaptations that allow them to thrive.
In general, hummingbirds have relatively short lifespans compared to larger bird species. They typically live between 3 to 5 years, with some individuals living up to 12 years in exceptional cases.
While the Ruby Throated Hummingbird's heart rate increases significantly during stressful situations, it is important to note that this is a temporary response. It's uncertain whether sustained elevated heart rates impact their lifespan directly.
Factors that can influence a hummingbird's lifespan include predation, disease, habitat availability, food availability, migration patterns, and environmental conditions. Predation and disease are major causes of mortality for hummingbirds, especially during migration or harsh conditions.
In conclusion, the resting heart rate of 250 beats per minute and the increased heart rate of 1200 beats per minute when threatened or chased cannot be solely used to predict the lifespan of the Ruby Throated Hummingbird. Lifespan is influenced by a combination of several factors, including metabolism, environmental conditions, and ecological pressures.