The impact of posture and basking orientation on thermoregulation in the Sungazer (Smaug giganteus).

Body temperature (T) is one of the most influential factors affecting physiological processes in ectothermic animals. Reptiles use behaviours such as shuttling, and postural and orientation adjustments to ensure that T remains close to a target. It is thought that target body temperature (T) is aligned to the physiological and behavioural thermal optima of the animal.