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How photoperiod influences body temperature selection in Lacerta viridis
1Fachbereich Biologie, Philipps-Universität, Lahnberge, D-3550, Marburg, Federal Republic of Germany.
Oecologia
|March 18, 2017
Summary
European green lizards exhibit seasonal body temperature cycles influenced by photoperiod. Light cues, not just temperature, drive these annual rhythms and dormancy, crucial for acclimatization.
Area of Science:
- Herpetology
- Animal Physiology
- Chronobiology
Background:
- European green lizards (Lacerta viridis) display annual cycles in selected body temperature (Tb).
- Diel (day/night) temperature selection varies seasonally, with highest Tb and minimal variation in summer.
- Winter dormancy disrupts daily rhythmicity, with spontaneous emergence in March.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of photoperiod as a cue for seasonal thermoregulation in Lacerta viridis.
- To determine if photoperiod influences diel body temperature selection patterns throughout the year.
- To understand the mechanisms underlying seasonal acclimatization in reptile thermoregulation.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring of selected body temperature (Tb) in European green lizards under natural photoperiod.
- Exposure to artificial long photoperiods (16h light/8h dark) at various times of the year.
- Maintaining constant natural photoperiods for extended durations to assess Tb stability.
Main Results:
- Lacerta viridis showed distinct annual cycles in daily and nighttime selected Tb under natural photoperiod.
- Artificial long photoperiods induced summer-like Tb selection year-round.
- Constant natural photoperiods for 6-8 weeks stabilized Tb selection according to the prevailing photoperiod.
Conclusions:
- Photoperiod acts as a significant Zeitgeber (time-giver) for seasonal thermoregulation in European green lizards.
- Seasonal variations in diel Tb cycles are essential for acclimatization, not indicative of imprecise thermoregulation.
- Photoperiodic control of thermoregulation is a key factor in the annual life cycle of this species.
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