International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 252-262 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 254 3.2 Behavioral Adjustments and Shifts in Activity Patterns Behavioral plasticity is another critical aspect of phenotypic plasticity, enabling organisms to modify their behavior in response to environmental changes. Reptiles, for instance, may alter their basking behavior, feeding times, and seasonal activity cycles to cope with temperature variations and other climatic factors. These behavioral adjustments can help mitigate the adverse effects of climate change by optimizing energy use and reducing exposure to extreme conditions. For example, changes in basking behavior can help reptiles regulate their body temperature more effectively, thereby maintaining optimal physiological functions (Canale and Henry, 2010; Urban et al., 2013). Shifts in activity patterns are also common among reptiles as a response to climate change. These shifts can include changes in the timing of daily activities, such as feeding and mating, as well as alterations in seasonal behaviors, such as migration and hibernation. By adjusting their activity patterns, reptiles can avoid the most extreme temperatures and exploit more favorable conditions for survival and reproduction. For instance, some reptiles may extend their active periods during cooler parts of the day or season to avoid overheating, while others may enter a state of torpor or hibernation during unfavorable conditions (Boutin and Lane, 2013). These behavioral adaptations are crucial for maintaining population stability and resilience in the face of climate change. 4 Morphological and Physiological Adaptations 4.1 Morphological Changes Reptiles exhibit a range of morphological changes in response to climate change, including alterations in body size, scale pattern, and coloration. These changes are often driven by the need to adapt to new environmental conditions that affect their survival and reproductive success. For instance, phenotypic plasticity allows reptiles to modify their physical traits in response to varying climatic conditions, which can be crucial for their survival (Urban et al., 2013). Studies have shown that early thermal environments, such as nest temperatures, can significantly impact the morphology of reptile offspring, influencing traits like body size and scale pattern (Noble et al., 2018). These morphological adaptations are essential for coping with the changing climate, as they can affect a reptile's ability to thermoregulate, find food, and avoid predators. Moreover, the concept of countergradient variation (CnGV) highlights how genetic variation can counteract environmental variation, leading to morphological adaptations that are beneficial in specific climates. Most published studies show evidence for CnGV between development time and environmental temperature (Figure 1) (Pettersen, 2020). These morphological changes are not just limited to body size but also include alterations in coloration and scale patterns, which can provide camouflage and reduce predation risks in different habitats. Overall, morphological adaptations play a critical role in enabling reptiles to survive and thrive in the face of climate change. 4.2 Physiological Adaptations Physiological adaptations in reptiles are equally important for coping with the challenges posed by climate change. These adaptations include adjustments in metabolism, thermal tolerance, and reproductive strategies. Reptiles, being ectothermic animals, rely heavily on external temperatures to regulate their body functions. As global temperatures rise, reptiles must adapt their thermal physiology to maintain homeostasis and ensure their survival. Studies have shown that reptiles can exhibit significant plasticity in their thermal physiological traits, such as critical thermal maximum (CTmax) and thermal preference (Tpref), allowing them to cope with varying thermal environments (Zhang et al., 2023). One of the key physiological adaptations observed in reptiles is the adjustment of metabolic rates. For instance, reptiles in cooler climates may exhibit slower metabolic rates to conserve energy, while those in warmer climates may have faster metabolic rates to support increased activity levels (Figure 1) (Pettersen, 2020). Additionally, thermal tolerance is a crucial aspect of physiological adaptation, with some reptiles evolving to withstand higher temperatures through behavioral thermoregulation and physiological adjustments (Muñoz et al., 2014). Reproductive strategies also play a vital role in physiological adaptation, as changes in nesting behavior and timing of oviposition can influence the thermal environment of developing embryos, thereby affecting their survival and fitness (Du et al., 2023).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==