Final answer:
To test the Adaptive Hypothesis for Fever, researchers would observe if iguanas develop a behavioral fever in response to bacterial infection, aligning with the hypothalamus' role in temperature regulation and the adaptive benefits of increased body temperature during immune responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adaptive Hypothesis for Fever in Ectotherms
To test the Adaptive Hypothesis for Fever, researchers would likely expose iguanas (ectotherms) to bacterial infection and observe how their behavior and physiology respond. Among the listed options, the most direct approach to test whether fever is adaptive would be option a), where iguanas develop a behavioral fever in response to infection with a bacterium. This is because the hypothalamus, which maintains the set point for body temperature, responds to endogenous pyrogens released when bacteria are destroyed by the body's immune system. A behavioral fever in iguanas would suggest a regulated increase in body temperature, which is known to conserve iron, increase the activity of protective enzymes, and potentially kill the pathogen. In contrast, options b), c), and d) do not directly test the adaptive nature of fever.
Ectotherms, such as iguanas, rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. They might bask in the sun or seek shade to manage their temperature effectively. Observing an iguana's temperature change in response to infection could provide insights into the adaptive role of fever in these animals, supporting the hypothesis that it is a defense mechanism rather than a mere complication of infection.