ABSTRACT

Key features:

  • Presents a contemporary snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of behavior
  • Explores how genetics, epigenetics, development, and environment shape behavior  
  • Discusses a broad range of behavioral repertoires and responses, including those related to thermoregulatory, foraging, predatory, displaying, social and escape strategies. 
  • Examines physiological and sensory mechanisms
  • Covers the effects of various aspects of global change on behavior, with chapters that focus on the impacts of climate change on hydroregulatory behavior and behavioral responses to the effects of habitat alteration resulting from human-mediated change and colonization by invasive species.
  •  

    Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards.
    This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.

    chapter |9 pages

    Introduction

    The Characterization and Evolution of Lizard Behavior

    part I|178 pages

    “Everyday” Behavior

    chapter Chapter 1|34 pages

    Behavioral Thermoregulation in Lizards

    Strategies for Achieving Preferred Temperature

    chapter Chapter 2|40 pages

    Lizard Locomotion

    Relationships between Behavior, Performance, and Function

    chapter Chapter 3|19 pages

    Lizard Foraging

    A Perspective Integrating Sensory Ecology and Life Histories

    chapter Chapter 5|46 pages

    Antipredator Behavioral Mechanisms

    Avoidance, Deterrence, Escape, and Encounter

    part III|56 pages

    Environmental Impact, Global Change, and Behavior

    chapter Chapter 11|32 pages

    Hydroregulation

    A Neglected Behavioral Response of Lizards to Climate Change?