A dramatic increase in global mean temperature and rapid thermal fluctuations are predicted to hit the earth in the coming decades. Anthropogenic activities are accelerating the thermal variations and it can have significant impacts on organisms worldwide. Tropical ectotherms are considered to be more vulnerable to climatic changes as they are adapted to relatively stable, aseasonal conditions of the tropics and are dependent on environmental temperature for all aspects of behaviour and physiology. While several studies have investigated the effect of climate warming on the behaviour and physiology of temperate ectotherms, studies on tropical ectotherms are lacking, though they’re predicted to be at high risk from global temperature increases. For my thesis, I propose to study the thermal responses of tropical agamid lizards in India. Furthermore, I propose predictions for organismal responses to future climate warming.

The first chapter looks at the effect of environmental temperature on the body colouration and regional heterothermy of P. dorsalis in a rural-urban context. The UV- visible colouration and body temperature patterns of both sexes will be measured on a range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C). The second chapter investigates the influence of environmental temperature on physiological and motor performances at a community level. The metabolic rate, sprint speed, endurance and bite force of the three species- P. dorsalis, P. blanfordanus and C. versicolor will be measured across the temperature range. In the third chapter, metabolic rate and motor performances of the three species will be used to predict how the species will respond to accelerated climate warming in the coming decades. The fourth chapter focuses on the developmental plasticity of thermal limits. The effect of thermal fluctuations experienced by the P. dorsalis eggs during the time of incubation on the thermal tolerance range of the hatchling will be examined. Overall, the thesis provides insight into the thermal ecology of tropical agamid lizards and the impact of climate change on their fitness.