Researchers at Tulane University tested how temperature changes affect interactions between brown anoles and green anoles. They put pairs of the two species together in controlled enclosures that simulated seasonal temperatures, from cool spring days to hotter summer conditions expected in the future.
Across the tests, brown anoles showed higher aggression than green anoles. Both species became more aggressive when temperatures rose, but the increase was larger for brown anoles. Earlier work found high lead levels in some brown anoles, and researchers say they cannot yet fully rule out a link, but current evidence points to temperature as the main factor.
Difficult words
- researcher — Person who studies things and collects dataResearchers
- interaction — Ways two or more animals affect each otherinteractions
- enclosure — A closed space where animals are keptenclosures
- seasonal — Related to different times or seasons of year
- aggression — Angry or violent behaviour between animals or people
- evidence — Information that shows if something is true
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Discussion questions
- Have you seen small lizards like anoles? How did they behave?
- How could higher temperatures change animals where you live?
- Do you think pollution can affect animal behaviour? Why or why not?
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