Temperature effects on corticosterone in the Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus

Andrea Racic

We tested the effects of temperature on the stress relevant hormone corticosterone in the eastern fence lizard. We assigned lizards to one of four temperatures within their natural range and tested their resulting corticosterone. Both baseline and stress-induced corticosterone were elevated in lizards at higher temperatures, indicating the activity of the physiological stress axis is enhanced at higher temperatures. Investigators should consider temperatures when running field and lab studies as this may affect their results.

Major: 
Biology - Neuroscience
Exhibition Category: 
Health and Life Sciences
Exhibition Format: 
Poster Presentation
Campus: 
University Park
Faculty Sponsor: 
Dr. Tracy Langkilde
Poster Number: 
410