A lizard lives in a temperate desert environment where the temperature is cold at night and warm during the day.In order for the lizard to maintain the most stable body temperature, it would most likely
A) stay in a burrow during the night and shuttle between the sun and shade on the surface during the day.
B) stay on the surface during the night and move to a burrow during the day.
C) increase its metabolism and heat production during the night and decrease it during the day.
D) decrease its metabolism and heat production during the night and increase it during the day.
E) move into a state of hypothermia during the night and a state of torpor during the day.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By staying in a burrow during the night, the lizard is protected from the cold temperatures. By shuttling between the sun and shade during the day, the lizard can regulate its body temperature to stay within its optimal range. This behavior is known as behavioral thermoregulation. Choice B would expose the lizard to the cold temperatures at night and the hot temperatures during the day. Choices C, D, and E all suggest that the lizard can regulate its body temperature through changes in metabolism, but do not take into account the temperature fluctuations of the environment. Therefore, A is the best choice.

A Lizard Lives in a Temperate Desert Environment Where the Temperature