Meeting Abstract
We have previously found that the lizard Sceloporus consobrinus could reduce rates of cutaneous evaporative water loss (CEWL) when exposed to desiccating conditions (e.g. warmer temperatures), suggesting plasticity in CEWL. As lizards were exposed to temperature differences without the ability to behaviorally thermoregulate, we wanted to further explore plasticity in CEWL by examining the relationship between preferred body temperature, CEWL and hydration status from the same lizard population in southwestern Oklahoma during 2018 and 2019. We expected that when lizards were dehydrated they would choose lower body temperatures and reduce rates of water loss by increasing resistance of the skin. We measured CEWL of 21 males using a Vapometer in the field as well as in the lab and used CEWL along with ambient environmental variables to calculate skin resistance to water loss. Lizards were housed individually in cages with a basking lamp and were free to choose a range of body temperatures through behavioral thermoregulation. Lizards were then dehydrated by withholding food and water for seven days in the lab. Measurements of CEWL, body temperature, and body mass were measured before and after fasting on all lizards. Dehydrated lizards lost an average of 24% body mass and chose lower body temperatures. Dehydration was not significantly correlated with resistance, but body temperature was. Lizards choosing higher body temperatures had lower rates of cutaneous water loss. These results and their implications will be discussed in more detail.
