EN
Oxygen consumption, thermal conductance and body temperature of Meriones unguiculatus (Milne-Edwards, 1867) were measured at a temperature range from 5 to 40°C. The lowest mean metabolic rate tBMR) was 2.13 ± 0.14 ml02 g~ 1 h , which is higher than the predicted values based on their body mass. The thermal neutral zone (TNZ) was 26 to 38°C. Mean body temperature below the TNZ was 38.4 ± 0.5°C. Mean thermal conductance below the TNZ was 0.179 ± 0.037 ml02 g-1 • h-1 • °C which is also higher than predicted values based on their body mass. Thermoregulatory characteristics of Mongolian gerbils are very different from that found in arid-adapted small mammals. The extreme severe climate perhaps is the main selective force faced by Mongolian gerbils during their evolution with their macroenvironments.