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Ferguson Zones (1 to 4) classify reptiles based on daily UV exposure behavior: Zone 1 (crepuscular shade dwellers), Zone 2 (occasional baskers), Zone 3 (open diurnal baskers), Zone 4 (midday sun worshipers).
Ectotherms cannot regulate internal body heat metabolically; they must physically move between warm and cool zones to modulate digestion, immune defense, and cardiac output.
Microclimate desiccating dry-down stunts keratinocyte hydration during active scute growth, causing irreversible pyramidal scute deformities.