Lizards warm up for sex
Lizards normally can't control their body temperature, as it's determined by the environment; but for reproduction, the tegu lizard can warm up significantly
Normally cold-blooded lizards get hot when it matters
Lizards, along with other reptiles, amphibians and fish, are typically thought to be consistently cold-blooded.
But a new study by Dr. Glenn Tattersall, a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, has found that the tegu lizard - native to South America - can elevate its body temperature, becoming warm-blooded for periods of time.
The increase in body temperature of up to 10°C, seems to be related to an increase in metabolism during the mating season. This unique behaviour is believed to be beneficial to egg production in females, and sperm synthesis in males.
Related Links
- Paper in Science Advances
- Brock University release
- New Scientist story
- Science News story