Effect of Environmental Temperatures on Lizard Physiology

Barry Sinervo (aka Doctor Lizardo), Rafas Lara and the research team are studying the extirpations of the lizards of Mexico and the US. They are carrying out their investigations at a combination of SEGA and Field Station Marine Lab (UC NRS) site, using installed sensors to estimate the "operative environmental temperatures" for reptiles and amphibians. The team uses Te sensors – which effectively replicate the body mass of the lizard species of interest. They also study the species present on each site to estimate physiological curves for temperature, performance, metabolism, and thermal preferences.