Document Detail


Testing the island effect in adaptive radiation: rates and patterns of morphological diversification in Caribbean and mainland Anolis lizards.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18713721     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Many of the classic examples of adaptive radiation, including Caribbean Anolis lizards, are found on islands. However, Anolis also exhibits substantial species richness and ecomorphological disparity on mainland Central and South America. We compared patterns and rates of morphological evolution to investigate whether, in fact, island Anolis are exceptionally diverse relative to their mainland counterparts. Quite the contrary, we found that rates and extent of diversification were comparable--Anolis adaptive radiation is not an island phenomenon. However, mainland and Caribbean anoles occupy different parts of morphological space; in independent colonizations of both island and mainland habitats, island anoles have evolved shorter limbs and better-developed toe pads. These patterns suggest that the two areas are on different evolutionary trajectories. The ecological causes of these differences are unknown, but may relate to differences in predation or competition among mainland and island communities.
Authors:
Gabriel Pinto; D Luke Mahler; Luke J Harmon; Jonathan B Losos
Publication Detail:
Type:  Comparative Study; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society     Volume:  275     ISSN:  0962-8452     ISO Abbreviation:  Proc. Biol. Sci.     Publication Date:  2008 Dec 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-10-21     Completed Date:  2009-01-23     Revised Date:  2010-09-21    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101245157     Medline TA:  Proc Biol Sci     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  2749-57     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, 376 Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Adaptation, Biological / physiology*
Animals
Body Weights and Measures
Central America
Evolution*
Extremities / anatomy & histology
Genetic Speciation*
Geography*
Lizards / anatomy & histology*
Phenotype*
Phylogeny
Principal Component Analysis
West Indies
Comments/Corrections

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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