Behavioral buffering of global warming in a cold-adapted lizard.

摘要: Alpine lizards living in restricted areas might be particularly sensitive to climate change. We studied thermal biology of Iberolacerta cyreni high mountains central Spain. Our results suggest that I. cyreni is a cold-adapted specialist and an effective thermoregulator. Among ectotherms, specialists are more threatened by global warming than generalists. have no chance disperse new suitable habitats. In addition, physiological plasticity unlikely keep pace with the expected rates environmental warming. Thus, rely on their behavior order deal ongoing Plasticity thermoregulatory has been proposed buffer rise temperatures. Therefore, we change body temperatures, as well relationships, for between 1980s 2012. Air temperatures increased 3.5°C substrate 6°C habitat over last 25 years. However, less 2°C same period, linear relationship remains similar. These show alpine buffering potential impact increase most probably means behavior. Body still cold enough avoid any drop fitness. Nonetheless, if continues, behavioral eventually become useless, it would imply spending too much time shelter, losing feeding, mating opportunities. Eventually, temperature exceeds optimum near future, fitness decrease abruptly.