How does a cold anole typically alter its skin coloration to manage its body temperature?
Answer
Adopts a darker color to absorb more solar radiation
As an ectotherm, the anole's body temperature is dependent on external environmental warmth. When ambient temperatures drop, the lizard employs a specific behavioral adaptation involving its skin pigmentation. It consciously shifts its coloration toward darker hues, such as brown or dark gray. This increased darkness maximizes the absorption efficiency of available solar radiation, allowing the reptile to warm its core body temperature faster so it can return to active behaviors like hunting or moving.
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