The table below shows activity of desert lizards filmed from a hide. Fig. 1 shows a lizard moving between a shaded rock and open sand. The lizards are ectot...
Question 1 Report
The table below shows activity of desert lizards filmed from a hide. Fig. 1 shows a lizard moving between a shaded rock and open sand. The lizards are ectotherms, so their body temperature is affected by the environment.
| sand temperature / degrees C | mean minutes active per hour |
|---|---|
| 20 | 12 |
| 30 | 38 |
| 40 | 17 |
(a) Describe the relationship between temperature and lizard activity. [3]
(b) Suggest why activity falls at 40 degrees C. [2]
(c) Use the information to suggest where a lizard may move when the sand reaches 40 degrees C. [1]
Answer Details
(a) Activity increases from 12 minutes per hour at 20°C to 38 minutes at 30°C [1]. Activity is greatest at 30°C [1], then decreases to 17 minutes at 40°C [1].
(b) At 40°C the lizard may overheat [1]. It reduces activity or seeks cooler conditions to avoid a harmful body temperature and water loss [1].
(c) It may move into the shade under the rock [1].
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