Question

Consider the following four conditions $(a-d)$ and select the correct pair of them as adaptation to environment in desert lizards.
The conditions:
1. Burrowing in soil to escape high temperature.
2. Losing heat rapidly from the body during high temperature.
3. Bask in sun when temperature is low.
4. Insulating body due to thick fatty dermis.

• A. 3,4
• B. 1,3
• C. 2,4
• D. 1,2

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Desert lizards lack the physiological ability that mammals have to deal with the high temperatures of their habitat, but manage to keep their body temperature fairly constant by behavioural means. They bask in the sun and absorb heat when their body temperature drops below the comfort zone, but move into shade when the ambient temperature starts increasing. Some species are capable of borrowing into the soil to hide and escape from the above-ground heat.