Open AccessPhylogenetic and Ontogenetic determinants of sprint performance in some diurnal Kalahari Lizards
Author(s) -
Raymond B. Huey
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
koedoe
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.419
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 2071-0771
pISSN - 0075-6458
DOI - 10.4102/koedoe.v25i1.602
Subject(s) - sprint , stride , biology , ontogeny , ecology , sauria , lizard , zoology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , genetics , medicine
Sprint capacities (maximum speed, acceleration, stride length, stride frequency) of diurnal lizards from the Kalahari were measured on sandy substrates in the laboratory. Despite major interfamilial differences in body sizes and in body proportions, measures of sprint capacity were remarkably similar among families: some heavy bodied skinks ran as fast as did some sleek lacertids. Sprint capacities change during ontogeny in lizards. Maximum speed, stride length, and possibly acceleration all increase with size and presumably with age