Size, Growth, and Survival Are Reduced at Cool Incubation Temperatures in the Temperate Lizard Oligosoma suteri (Lacertilia: Scincidae)

摘要: Abstract Reptile eggs from cool temperate environments often experience incubation conditions, which may have long-term consequences for individual fitness. We studied the effects of artificial regimes on size, growth, and survival New Zealand's only endemic oviparous lizard, Oligosoma suteri. Eggs were randomly distributed among three temperatures (18, 22, 26 C) two water potentials (−120 −270 kPa). Hatchlings incubated at 22 C −120 kPa significantly larger most measurements than hatchlings other treatments. Juveniles higher had more rapid growth ultimately greater size by 12 months, as well to 18 did individuals. Hatchling not influence survival. Our data suggest that restricted northern distribution O. suteri results ecological constraints caused negative embryos and...