Can the giant snake predict palaeoclimate?


Can the giant snake predict palaeoclimate?

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ABSTRACT Arising from: J. J. Head _et al._ _Nature_ 457, 715–717 (2009)10.1038/nature07671; Head _et al._ reply In their report on _Titanoboa cerrejonensis_, Head _et al._1 propose that the


great size of this 58 to 60 million-year-old snake (estimated length = 13 m, mass = 1,135 kg) indicates a mean annual neotropical temperature (MAT) of 30–34 °C, substantially higher than


previous estimates for that period. They argue that the high MAT was necessary to compensate for the decreased mass-specific metabolic rate intrinsic to a snake of this size. However, the


relationship on which Head _et al._1 base their conclusion does not account for the scope of behavioural control over body temperature available to _Titanoboa_ due to its huge mass. Our


calculations suggest that because of its ability to behaviourally control its body temperature, _Titanoboa_ cannot serve as an accurate palaeothermometer. Access through your institution Buy


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SHARKS (_SOMNIOSUS MICROCEPHALUS_) IN THE CANADIAN ARCTIC Article Open access 09 November 2020 REFERENCES * Head, J. J. et al. Giant boid snake from the Paleocene neotropics reveals hotter


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Google Scholar  * Gates, D. M. _Biophysical Ecology_ 12–24; 382–427 (Dover, 1980) Google Scholar  * Chappell, M. A. & Ellis, T. M. Resting metabolic rates in boid snakes: allometric


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temperature in a conductance-mediated system. _J. Exp. Biol._ 209, 2409–2419 (2006) Article  Google Scholar  Download references AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * * Hopkins


Marine Station of Stanford University, Ocean View Boulevard, Pacific Grove, California 93950, USA. [email protected] , Mark W. Denny, Brent L. Lockwood & George N. Somero Authors *


Mark W. Denny View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Brent L. Lockwood View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed 


Google Scholar * George N. Somero View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar POWERPOINT SLIDES POWERPOINT SLIDE FOR FIG. 1 RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS


Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE Denny, M., Lockwood, B. & Somero, G. Can the giant snake predict palaeoclimate?. _Nature_ 460, E3–E4 (2009).


https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08224 Download citation * Received: 20 February 2009 * Accepted: 27 April 2009 * Issue Date: 30 July 2009 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature08224 SHARE THIS


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