Variation of preferred body temperatures along an altitudinal gradient: a multi-species study

Publication date: Available online 8 August 2018Source: Journal of Thermal BiologyAuthor(s): Trochet Audrey, Dupoué Andréaz, Souchet Jérémie, Bertrand Romain, Deluen Marine, Murarasu Sophie, Calvez Olivier, Martinez-Silvestre Albert, Verdaguer-Foz Isabel, Darnet Elodie, Le Chevalier Hugo, Mossoll-Torres Marc, Guillaume Olivier, Aubret FabienAbstractTemperature affects the physiological functions of ectotherms. To maintain optimal body temperature and ensure physiological performance, these organisms can use behavioral adjustments to keep the body temperature in their specific temperature range, so-called preferred temperature (Tpref). It is therefore crucial to describe and understand how Tpref vary within and amongst populations to predict the effects of climate change of altitudinal range shifts in organisms. We aimed at determining the altitudinal variations in Tpref in three ectothermic species (the Pyrenean brook salamander – a semi-aquatic and thigmothermic amphibian – the European common lizard and the wall lizard – both heliothermic species). Using an experimental approach where Tpref were measured along a temperature gradient in laboratory conditions, we used a cross-sectional approach to compare the variation of Tpref measured in populations sampled along the altitudinal gradient in the Pyrenees. We hypothesized a complex and highly variable intra-specific response of Tpref along geographical clines, with a positive relationship between Tpref and altitude ...
Source: Journal of Thermal Biology - Category: Biology Source Type: research