Brain, Behavior and Evolution

Original Paper

Behavior of Juvenile Lizards (Iguana iguana) in a Conflict between Temperature Regulation and Palatable Food

Balasko M.a, b · Cabanac M.a

Author affiliations

aDepartment of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada, and bDepartment of Pathophysiology, University Medical School, Pécs, Hungary

Keywords: LizardIguana iguanaMotivationEmergent cognitionCommon currency

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Brain Behav Evol 1998;52:257–262
https://doi.org/10.1159/000006570

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Published online: November 06, 1998
Issue release date: December 1998

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 3
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 0006-8977 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9743 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/BBE

Abstract

Juvenile green iguanas were placed in a situation of conflict between two motivations: a thermoregulatory drive and the attraction of a palatable bait. To be able to reach the bait (lettuce), they had to leave a warm refuge, provided with standard food, and venture into a cold environment. In experiment 1 the time interval between sessions with bait, ranging from 1 to 8 days, had no effect on the duration of stay on the bait. This result shows that the lettuce was not a necessary food, deprivation of which would have had to be compensated for. In experiment 2 as the ambient temperature at the bait decreased the lizards spent less time feeding on lettuce, and they visited the bait less frequently. This result shows that the lizards traded off the palatability of the bait with the disadvantage of the cold. These findings support the hypothesis that a common currency makes it possible for lizards to compare two sensory modalities.



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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Original Paper

Published online: November 06, 1998
Issue release date: December 1998

Number of Print Pages: 6
Number of Figures: 3
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 0006-8977 (Print)
eISSN: 1421-9743 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/BBE

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1998, Vol.52, No. 6

December 1998

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