Abstract
The life history of a population of marbled whiptail lizard, Aspidoscelis marmorata , was examined from 1989 to 1994 in the sand dunes of the Biosphere Reserve of Mapimi, in Northern Mexico. Lizards were studied using mark-recapture techniques. Reproduction in females occurred between May and August, with birth hatchlings matching the wet season in August. Reproductive activity was highest in the early wet season (July). Males and females reached adult size class at an average age of 1.7 years and 1.8 years, respectively. Body size of males attained an asymptote around 90 mm snout-vent length and females around 82 mm snout-vent length, at an age of approximately 3.6 years and 3.0 years, respectively. The density varied from 7 to 85 individuals / 1.0 ha. The Mexican population had late maturity, relatively long life expectancy, and fewer offspring. Overall, the observed data for A. marmorata and the expectations of life history theory for a late maturing species (K - rate selection) are in agreement.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.