On the estimation of body temperature of reptiles, its relation with outside temperature and adaptability of size and color

The main temperature data of reptiles and the method of calculating their absolute optimum temperature, using linear regression are discussed. There are three forms of reptile’s termoadaptive behavior: heating to the optimal level of body temperature, the control over the temperature during the daytime and evening cooling, although the latter is forced by lowering external temperature. Large-size and small-size individuals differ in the rate of changing body temperature mainly in heating and to a lesser extent in cooling. The difference in achieving optimal body temperature does not look significant, but as for the maximal mobility needed to defend against an attack, it just may be provided due to the priority in the heating rate. Black or even dark color of the upper part of a reptiles’ body also give some advantages, reducing the time of heating.