Temperature responses of standard, aerobic metabolism by the California legless lizard, Anniella pulchra.
Standard metabolic rates, measured for the lizard Anniella pulchra at 6 and 13 degrees C were statistically identical, showing notable thermal-independence at low temperature. Metabolic rates, measured at 25 and 30 degrees C, were significantly less than the rates predicted by standard equations. Thermal-independence and reduced aerobic metabolism at temperatures above the preferred range may result in water and energy savings in the fossorial habitat. Body-mass adjusted comparisons with other lizards suggest that reduced metabolism may be a correlative adaptation in small, fossorial lizards.
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D008116:Lizards / Q000378:metabolism*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption