Thermal effects on metabolic and developmental rates in lizard embryos
Presenter Type
UNO Graduate Student (Masters)
Major/Field of Study
Biology
Advisor Information
Travis Robbins, PhD
Location
CEC RM #230
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
22-3-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
22-3-2024 10:15 AM
Abstract
Many ectotherms inhabit large latitudinal ranges with environmental factors, such as temperature, creating gradients to which species must adapt. Adaptations may result in phenotypic gradients with phenotypes, such as developmental time and metabolic rate, interacting to compensate for the shifting environmental conditions. Adaptive responses are thus complex coadaptations with both plastic and evolutionary mechanisms that must be examined simultaneously to elucidate how trait interactions occur on both proximate and ultimate scales. This study investigates adaptations associated with embryonic development in Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus consobrinus) across a latitudinal thermal gradient. Gravid adult females were collected from three latitudinally distinct populations. Eggs from each clutch were randomly assigned to two temperature treatments (25°C and 31°C) in a split-clutch design and checked daily for hatchlings to determine developmental time. Embryonic metabolism was measured as both respiration and heart rate at respective incubation temperatures. Results show the expected proximate response of warmer temperatures decreasing development time with increases in respiration and heart rates. Populations differed, however, in how developmental time, heart rate, and respiration rate collectively responded to temperature treatments, suggesting evolution has occurred in these traits. As we continue to witness climate change, understanding the effects of temperature on ectotherms and their physiology becomes crucial to conserving these species and their communities.
Thermal effects on metabolic and developmental rates in lizard embryos
CEC RM #230
Many ectotherms inhabit large latitudinal ranges with environmental factors, such as temperature, creating gradients to which species must adapt. Adaptations may result in phenotypic gradients with phenotypes, such as developmental time and metabolic rate, interacting to compensate for the shifting environmental conditions. Adaptive responses are thus complex coadaptations with both plastic and evolutionary mechanisms that must be examined simultaneously to elucidate how trait interactions occur on both proximate and ultimate scales. This study investigates adaptations associated with embryonic development in Prairie Lizards (Sceloporus consobrinus) across a latitudinal thermal gradient. Gravid adult females were collected from three latitudinally distinct populations. Eggs from each clutch were randomly assigned to two temperature treatments (25°C and 31°C) in a split-clutch design and checked daily for hatchlings to determine developmental time. Embryonic metabolism was measured as both respiration and heart rate at respective incubation temperatures. Results show the expected proximate response of warmer temperatures decreasing development time with increases in respiration and heart rates. Populations differed, however, in how developmental time, heart rate, and respiration rate collectively responded to temperature treatments, suggesting evolution has occurred in these traits. As we continue to witness climate change, understanding the effects of temperature on ectotherms and their physiology becomes crucial to conserving these species and their communities.