26th Annual Student Research Conference
Estimating Body Fat Content in Ctenosaura similis using Body Condition Indices
Harvir K. Grewal* and Bradley A. Hart
Dr. Chad Montgomery and Dr. Phil Ryan, Faculty Mentors
Fitness of organisms is important to biologists because individuals with greater fitness pass on traits at a higher rate. Organisms with greater energy reserves are typically more healthy and have higher fitness. Body condition indices (BCIs) are used to estimate relative health and body fat content. However, BCIs have not been validated in lizards. We will validate the use of BCI as a predictor of body fat content in Ctenosaura similis, the black spiny- tailed iguana. We will calculate BCIs, which relate mass to length, using ordinary least squares, major axis, and reduced major axis regression. We will determine which model best fits our data and use that model as a predictor of body fat. If valid, the most favorable BCI can be applied and used for other populations of closely related species of iguana that are of conservation concern.
Keywords: BCIs, Body Fat Content, Iguanas, Ctenosaura similis, Regression Models
Topic(s):Mathematical Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 204-2
Location: MG 2001
Time: 9:45