Acclimation of thermal physiology to new basking regimes in a widespread Australian skink. (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anderson, Rodolfo O.; Goulet, Celine T.; Chapple, David G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of thermal biology. Volume 113(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Thermal performance curve -- Thermal preference -- Optimum temperatures -- Ectotherms -- Lizards; Thermobiology -- Periodicals; Temperature -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Thermobiologie -- Périodiques; Thermobiology; Periodicals; 571.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2023.103530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4565

Abstract

Abstract: Changes in thermal environments are a challenge for many ectotherms, as they would have to acclimate their physiology to new thermal environments to maintain high-levels of performance. Time spent basking is key for many ectothermic animals to keep their body temperature within optimal thermal ranges. However, little is known about the impact of changes in basking time on the thermal physiology of ectothermic animals. We investigated how different basking regimes (low intensity vs high intensity) affected key thermal physiological traits of a widespread Australian skink ( Lampropholis delicata ). We quantified thermal performance curves and thermal preferences of skinks subjected to low and high intensity basking regimes over a 12-week period. We found that skinks acclimated their thermal performance breadth in both basking regimes, with the skinks from the low-intensity basking regime showing narrower performance breadths. Although maximum velocity and optimum temperatures increased after the acclimation period, these traits did not differ between basking regimes. Similarly, no variation was detected for thermal preference. These results provide insight into mechanisms that allow these skinks to successfully overcome environmental constraints in the field. Acclimation of thermal performance curves seems to be key for widespread species to colonise new environments, and can buffer ectothermic animals in novel climatic scenarios. Highlights: Acclimation to different basking regimes could aid ectotherms regulating their physiology. We investigated whether thermal traits of skinks respond to different basking regimes. Thermal performance breadth changed after 12 weeks of acclimation at both basking regimes. We did not observe changes in thermal preference, optimum temperatures, and maximum velocity. Our results suggest mechanisms that may allow skinks to survive in new environments.