Physiological Thermoregulation and Cardiovascular Function in Reptiles (2005-2007)
Abstract
Temperature is the most important physical state variable determining animal performance and the regulation of body temperature is essential for vertebrates. This research will advance the concept of physiological thermoregulation in reptiles from a correlative relationship between heart rate and rates of heating and cooling to a causative link between cardiovascular dynamics and heat transfer and hence thermoregulation. We will establish which proximate mechanisms (cardiac output blood flow and pressure) can convey functional advantages on thermoregulating animals and discover how their control by central (cardiac) and peripheral (vascular) systems may alter transient heat transfer between animals and their environment
