Responses of reptiles to fluctuating thermal environments: behaviour or biochemistry?

我提出了一种解释爬行动物热生理学的观念转变，质疑行为在爬行动物体温调节中的主导作用。我将验证这样一种假设，即细胞生物化学的变化是爬行动物对环境波动做出反应的重要机制。我将确定代谢酶活性和运动功能之间的关系，结果可能需要重新评估当前的概念，例如爬行动物必须达到“理想的”体温才能保持运动能力的概念。

I propose a conceptual shift in the way thermal physiology of reptiles is interpreted, questioning the predominant role of behaviour in reptilian thermoregulation. I will test the hypothesis that changes in cellular biochemistry are an important mechanism by which reptiles respond to environmental fluctuations. I will determine the relationship between metabolic enzyme activity and performance functions, and the results may call for a re-assessment of current concepts such as the notion that reptiles must achieve "preferred" body temperatures to maintain performance.