Thermoregulation Strategies in Reptiles: Environmental and Physiological Perspectives

Abstract

Reptiles rely on external environmental conditions to regulate their body temperatures, making thermoregulation a critical component of their survival and ecological success. This study examines thermoregulatory strategies in four reptile species from contrasting habitats: Uromastyx aegyptia and Varanus griseus from arid desert environments, and Anolis sagrei and Gonocephalus chamaeleontinus from tropical forests. Using behavioral observations, physiological measurements, and environmental monitoring, we evaluated how basking duration, body temperature, heart rate, and skin reflectance differ across species and environments. Our findings revealed that desert reptiles exhibited significantly longer basking times and higher body temperatures compared to tropical species. Statistical analyses showed strong correlations between basking behavior and physiological indicators, including a positive association between body temperature and heart rate, and a negative correlation with skin reflectance. ANOVA confirmed significant differences in body temperature between environmental groups (p < 0.00000003), highlighting the influence of habitat on thermoregulation. These results underscore the adaptive diversity of thermoregulatory strategies among reptiles and stress the importance of environmental conditions in shaping physiological responses. As climate change alters global temperature patterns, understanding these strategies becomes essential for predicting species resilience and informing targeted conservation efforts.