Influence of ambient temperature on maternal thermoregulation and neonate phenotypes in a viviparous lizard, Eremias multiocellata, during the gestation period |
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Authors: | Xue-Feng YanXiao-Long Tang Feng YueDe-Jiu Zhang Ying XinCui Wang Qiang Chen |
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Affiliation: | Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China |
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Abstract: | To assess the potential gestational effects on post-hatching morphology, locomotor performance, and early growth rate, we maintained gravid Eremias multiocellata under four constant treatment temperatures (25, 29, 31, and 35 °C). Ambient temperature had significant effects on some morphometric traits of offspring, including tail length, head size, forelimb length and hindlimb length, but not on body mass or snout-vent length. The data of females' body temperature indirectly support the maternal manipulation hypothesis. Juvenile E. multiocellata had better locomotor performance and faster early growth rate at 29 °C than at the other three treatment temperatures (25, 31, and 35 °C). Our results suggest that gestation temperature may be optimized at 29 °C for E. multiocellata from Tianzhu, Gansu Province, China. |
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Keywords: | Viviparous lizard Eremias multiocellata Gestation temperature Morphology Locomotor performance Early growth rate |
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