The metabolic responses of the common iguana, Iguana iguana, to walking and diving

Abstract

1. 1. Strictly aerobic metabolism in Iguana iguana during walking was highly temperature-dependent, as was the maximum rate of walking without the incurrence of an oxygen debt. The absolute maximum rate of walking aerobically correlated with the temperature of the maximum metabolic scope.2. 2. The energetic cost of walking did not increase with temperature, but rose curvilinearly with speed, the efficiency being greatest at the higher rates of walking.3. 3. Diving iguanas could remain submerged for up to hr, tolerating blood lactate levels as high as 320 mg per cent.4. 4. Blood pH dropped as low as 6[middle dot]9 during a dive.