Optimal sampling interval for characterisation of the circadian rhythm of body temperature in homeothermic animals using periodogram and cosinor analysis

Core body temperature (Tc) is a critical aspect of homeostasis in birds and mammals and is increasingly used as a biomarker of the fitness of an animal to its environment. Periodogram and cosinor analysis can be used to estimate the characteristics of the circadian rhythm of Tc from data obtained on loggers that have limited memory capacity and battery life. This data set contains five days of core body temperature, measured by loggers implanted into the abdominal cavity, in nine species of birds and mammals.

Methods
Raw data collected by temperature loggers implanted into the abdominal cavity of nine species of birds and mammals. All of the data were calibrated against a certified mercury in glass thermometer, or a certified platinum thermometer. All data are in degrees Celsius.