Seasonal and geographic variation in thermal biology of the lizard <i>Microlophus atacamensis</i> (Squamata: Tropiduridae)
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Date
2008
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Abstract
1. We studied physiological thermal adaptation in the lizard Microlophus atacamensis along a latitudinal range.
2. Field body temperatures were independent from thermal environmental conditions, and show seasonal, but not geographical differences. Selected body temperature did not differ among localities and seasons, and differs from body temperature in fall, but not in spring. We found no difference among sites for heating and cooling rates.
3. Our results suggest that M. atacamensis compensates thermal environmental variation mainly by behavioral means. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
2. Field body temperatures were independent from thermal environmental conditions, and show seasonal, but not geographical differences. Selected body temperature did not differ among localities and seasons, and differs from body temperature in fall, but not in spring. We found no difference among sites for heating and cooling rates.
3. Our results suggest that M. atacamensis compensates thermal environmental variation mainly by behavioral means. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Keywords
heating rate, cooling rate, thermo regulation, body temperature, selected temperature