Dissertation Research: Testing the Co-Adaptation Hypothesis:The Thermotregulatory Behavior and Thermal Physiology of theRibber Boa, a Nocturnal Snake

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A major goal of evolutionary biology is to develop concepts that can be used to address specific questions. An important concept in evolutionary biology is that the characteristics of organisms are well matched (i.e., co-adapted) to each other. For example, the thermoregulatory behavior of reptiles with bacterial infections matches the temperature at which their immune systems function best. The purpose of this study is to determine to what extent the concept of co-adaptation can be applied to the thermal biology of reptiles. Because reptiles obtain most of their body heat from the environment, describing their temperature relationships is critical to understanding their ecology. We will address the relationship between the nocturnal snakes that exhibit unusually low body temperature during activity. We will surgically implant temperature-sensitive radiotransmitters in snakes to determine their body temperatures in the field. In the laboratory, we will study the effects of variation in body temperature on snake physiology (e.g., digestive rate, metabolism, crawling speed). Through statistical comparisons of body temperatures and their effects on physiology, we will determine the extent of co- adaptation in rubber boas. Our analytical methods also will provide a framework for future studies of co-adaptation.