Aspects of physiology of the angulate tortoise, Chersina angulata, with special emphasis on the influence of body size
Until recently not much of the physiology of the angulate tortoise had been investigated, and the work done focused on its thermoregulation (Craig 1973; Perrin & Campbell 1981). However, during the last few years research dealing with more of its thermoregulation and water relations was begun (S. Els pers. comm.). This study aims to examine the relationships between body size and the rates of resting metabolism, evaporative water loss and heat transfer. The relationship of the changes in certain physical properties to the corresponding changes in physiological properties, due to increases in body size, will be investigated. Aspects of a theory of biological similarity will be discussed in the light of the results. Other physiological processes, such as respiration and assimilation efficiency, will be looked at without reference to body size.
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