Seasonal metabolic compensation in the fringe-toed lizard, Acanthodactylus boskianus (Reptilia: Lacertidae)

1. 1. The standard metabolic rate (SMR) of Acanthodactylus boskianus was determined at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C during winter and summer acclimatization, using constant pressure manometric respirometers. 2. 2. Values for the exponent b of body mass in relation to metabolic rate ranged from 0.50 to 0.63....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of thermal biology 1996-04, Vol.21 (2), p.145-150
Main Author: Zari, Talal A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acanthodactylus boskianus
body mass
lizard
Metabolic compensation
seasonal acclimatization
temperature
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Summary:1. 1. The standard metabolic rate (SMR) of Acanthodactylus boskianus was determined at 20, 25, 30 and 35°C during winter and summer acclimatization, using constant pressure manometric respirometers. 2. 2. Values for the exponent b of body mass in relation to metabolic rate ranged from 0.50 to 0.63. 3. 3. Winter-acclimatized lizards of various body sizes had significantly higher SMRs than summer-acclimatized lizards at tested temperatures. 4. 4. The seasonal differences in metabolic rate may represent a useful adaptation, enabling A. boskianus to maintain activity during the moderate winter, and to conserve energy and possibly also water during the hot summer.
ISSN:0306-4565
1879-0992
DOI:10.1016/0306-4565(95)00040-2