Life History of Cophosaurus texanus (Sauria: Iguanidae): Environmental Correlates and Interpopulational Variation
Howland JM. 1992. Life History of Cophosaurus texanus (Sauria: Iguanidae): Environmental Correlates and Interpopulational Variation. Copeia. 1992(1):82-93
The life history of a population of the greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) was investigated in Big Bend National Park, in the Chihuahuan Desert of western Texas. This population had (1) smaller clutch sizes, (2) lower clutch frequencies, (3) later onset of reproduction, (4) greater size (and possibly age) at first reproduction, (5) larger adult size, (6) lower growth rates, (7) higher adult survivorship, and (8) greater density than previously studied populations in central Texas. These lizards also showed reductions in clutch size, egg lipids, and storage lipids late in the reproductive season. The observed life-history characteristics suggest energy limitation in the Big Bend population whereas central Texas populations may be limited by high adult mortality. The observed differences are consistent with the predictions of current life-history theory.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Howland, Jeffrey
- Units
- BIBE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Energy Budgets, greater earless lizard (Cophosaurus texanus), Habitats, Size