Data from: Economic thermoregulatory response explains mismatch between thermal physiology and behavior in newts

Temperature is an important factor determining distribution and abundance
of organisms. Predicting the impact of warming climate on ectotherm
populations requires information about species thermal requirements,
so-called thermal niche. The characterization of thermal niche remains a
complicated task. We compared the applicability of two indirect
approaches, based on reaction norm (aerobic scope curve) and optimality
(preferred body temperature) concepts, for indirect estimation of thermal
niche while using newts, Ichthyosaura alpestris, as a study system. If the
two approaches are linked, then digesting newts should keep their body
temperatures close to values maximizing aerobic scope for digestion. After
feeding, newts maintained their body temperatures within a narrower range
than did hungry individuals. The range of preferred body temperatures was
well below the temperature maximizing aerobic scope for digestion. Optimal
temperatures for factorial aerobic scope fell within the preferred body
temperature range of digesting individuals. We conclude that digesting
newts prefer body temperatures which are optimal for the maximum aerobic
performance but relative to the maintenance costs. What might be termed
the economic thermoregulatory response explains the mismatch between
thermal physiology and behaviour in this system.