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Updated: Jul 31, 2025
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Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
Published on: March 9, 2021
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Developmental environments do not affect thermal physiological traits in reptiles: an experimental test and
Rose Y Zhang1, Kristoffer H Wild1, Patrice Pottier2
1Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia.
Biology Letters
|May 10, 2023
Summary
Developmental conditions do not significantly impact reptile thermal physiology, including critical thermal maximum and thermal preference. This suggests behavioral or evolutionary adaptations are more crucial for reptiles facing climate change.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Organisms, especially ectotherms, face challenges from climate change and habitat disturbance.
- Developmental plasticity in thermal physiology could offer adaptive benefits if early conditions predict future environments.
Conclusions:
- Developmental plasticity in thermal physiology appears limited across reptiles.
- Behavioral or evolutionary mechanisms may be more critical for reptile adaptation to changing thermal conditions.
- Further research on reptile thermal performance curves is needed.
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