journal article
Ecological Morphology of Caribbean AnolesHerpetological Monographs
Vol. 13 (1999)
, pp. 1-28 (28 pages)
Published By: Allen Press
//doi.org/10.2307/1467059
//www.jstor.org/stable/1467059
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Abstract
Anoles have evolved independently on each island in the Greater Antilles, producing a suite of morphologically-distinct species that utilize different microhabitats. Comparisons among islands indicate that the same set of "ecomorphs"--distantly related species that are similar in morphology, ecology, and behavior--has evolved on each island. Despite considerable work on anoles over the past three decades, much remains to be learned about evolution of the ecomorphs. In particular, previous studies have focused on external measurements of gross limb proportions, tail length, mass, and number of lamellae. Using a variety of techniques, we examined these characters in greater detail and investigated a wide variety of other characters. We found that the ecomorph classes represent distinct entities in morphological space when morphological characters are examined in greater detail (e.g., each limb element was treated separately). In addition, we found that the ecomorphs differ in a variety of characters not previously examined, including toe pad area, pectoral and pelvic girdle dimensions, head dimensions, and tail shape. These differences were apparent regardless of how we defined body size, although comparisons of particular characters were affected by which body size variable was used. This finding indicates that convergence in ecomorph evolution extends beyond traits directly linked to habitat use and locomotion. We also examined a number of other taxa that have not traditionally been considered to be members of any ecomorph class. We found that many descendants of ecomorphs living on small islands near the Greater Antilles no longer belong to the ecomorph class of their ancestor. Many Lesser Antillean anoles appear to be trunk-crown anoles, whereas others do not belong to any ecomorph class. Montane anoles of the Greater Antilles and Chamaelinorops also do not belong to any ecomorph class, but Chamaeleolis, and possibly Phenacosaurus, are twig anoles.
Journal Information
Since 1982, Herpetological Monographs has been dedicated to original research about the biology, diversity, systematics and evolution of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Monographs is published annually as a supplement to Herpetologica and contains long research papers, manuscripts and special symposia that synthesize the latest scientific discoveries.
Publisher Information
Allen Press plays a vital role in the dissemination of knowledge and information by partnering with organizations in the scientific, technical and medical community to promote their interests and achieve their goals. Headquartered in Lawrence, KS, Allen Press provides a comprehensive portfolio of integrated services in the broad areas of content management, online and print delivery, association management, and publishing services. Allen Press is a trusted partner of scholarly societies, professional associations and corporations nationwide.
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Herpetological Monographs © 1999 Herpetologists' League
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