Term of Award
Fall 2008
Degree Name
Master of Science in Biology (M.S.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Biology
Committee Chair
Lance D. McBrayer
Committee Member 1
David C. Rostal
Committee Member 2
Bruce A. Schulte
Abstract
The ability to perform key behaviors associated with reproduction, such as biting and locomotion in male lizards, has been linked to social dominance and reproductive success. The underlying mechanisms that govern variation in performance capacity, however, remain unclear. The steroid hormone testosterone mediates numerous traits associated with reproduction in male vertebrates and has been hypothesized to mediate variation in performance. This study examined seasonal patterns of circulating testosterone, morphology, bite force, and locomotor performance in a non-territorial lizard species to address this hypothesis. Male Aspidoscelis sexlineata (n=133) were collected throughout the active season, and testosterone levels and performance capacities were measured. Performance capacities were greatest during the breeding season when testosterone levels were elevated. The results of this study support the hypothesis that testosterone levels are related to variation in performance and suggest that seasonal changes in testosterone and performance are timed in a way to maximize reproductive success.
Recommended Citation
Gowan, Timothy Adam, "Seasonal Patterns of Plasma Testosterone Levels, Bite Force, and Locomotor Performance in Non-Territorial Male Lizards, Aspidoscelis Sexlineata" (2008). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 719.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/719
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
