Unit:
Department of BiologyLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
PAPADAKI KALLIRROI
Supervisors info:
Παναγιώτης Παφίλης, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής , Ζωικής Ποικιλότητας, Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Original Title:
Θερμική βιολογία και οικονομία νερού σε νησιωτικούς πληθυσμούς της αιγαιόσαυρας, Podarcis erhardii.
Translated title:
The impact of insularity on preferred temperatures and evaporative water loss in the Aegean wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii)
Summary:
Lizards, being ectothermic, have to regulate their temperature and the efficiency of the biochemical procedures according to the environmental temperatures. The preferred temperatures (Tpref) that animals achieved under no ecological constrains are among the most important thermal parameters. Another crucial factor is evaporative water loss (EWL) that may define species distribution. Here we assessed Tpref and EWLs in seven insular (Mykonos, Tinos, Schinoussa, Folegandros, Andros, Ios) and mainland (Parnitha) populations of the Aegean wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii). Tpref were recorded in a specially designed thermal gradient (12-50οC). We also estimated the accumulative water loss (EWLa) per hour that provides information regarding the global water evaporation and the instantaneous water loss (EWLi) describing evaporative patterns through time. Tpref differed considerably. Insular populations achieved lower Tpref than the mainland one. Furthermore, we found differences between Andros and Tinos. These divergences should be attributed to the differences in geography, altitude and climate. EWL were similar among all populations. Body size had no significant effect on either focal trait.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
thermal biology, water loss, insularity, lizards, Cyclades, Podarcis erhardii
