Τίτλος:
The effect of body size on the thermoregulation of lizards on hot, dry Mediterranean islands
Γλώσσες Τεκμηρίου:
Αγγλικά
Περίληψη:
Body size shapes the overall biology of organisms. We assessed the impact of size on temperature regulation in populations of normal-sized and large-bodied insular Mediterranean lizards (Podarcis gaigeae, Lacertidae). We hypothesized that large lizards would achieve higher body temperatures and thermoregulate more effectively than their smaller kin. Large- and small-bodied lizards share the same thermoregulation pattern, achieving similar body temperatures in the field. Large lizards, however, prefer higher set-point temperatures. Lizards in both populations thermoregulate effectively, but large lizards thermoregulated less effectively than normal-sized lizards. The particular conditions at the islet that harbors the large-bodied population (harsh intraspecific competition) seem to account for this pattern. © 2013.
Συγγραφείς:
Sagonas, K.
Meiri, S.
Valakos, E.D.
Pafilis, P.
Περιοδικό:
Journal of Thermal Biology
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
article; body size; body temperature; controlled study; environmental temperature; female; high temperature; intraspecific competition; lizard; male; nonhuman; Southern Europe; thermoregulation, Lacertidae; Podarcis gaigeae; Squamata
DOI:
10.1016/j.jtherbio.2012.11.006
