Lizard Digestion
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This article is still under construction. |
Lizards are ectothermic and therefore the temperature of their environment affects their body processes which are highly temperature-dependent. Low temperaturs may slow down or even stop all digestion and can have adverse effects on assimilation (i.e. in monitor lizards). For example, an iguana kept at 28°C will eat but its food will not be digested properly. Digestion is extremely slow at ambient temperatures between 10°C and 15°C and digestion comes to a halt when temperatures drop below 7°C.
Suboptimal temperatures can lead to serious complications such as bloat, constipation or maldigestion.