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McLaughlin JF, Brock KM, Gates I, Pethkar A, Piattoni M, Rossi A, Lipshutz SE. Multivariate Models of Animal Sex: Breaking Binaries Leads to a Better Understanding of Ecology and Evolution. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:891-906. [PMID: 37156506 PMCID: PMC10563656 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
"Sex" is often used to describe a suite of phenotypic and genotypic traits of an organism related to reproduction. However, these traits-gamete type, chromosomal inheritance, physiology, morphology, behavior, etc.-are not necessarily coupled, and the rhetorical collapse of variation into a single term elides much of the complexity inherent in sexual phenotypes. We argue that consideration of "sex" as a constructed category operating at multiple biological levels opens up new avenues for inquiry in our study of biological variation. We apply this framework to three case studies that illustrate the diversity of sex variation, from decoupling sexual phenotypes to the evolutionary and ecological consequences of intrasexual polymorphisms. We argue that instead of assuming binary sex in these systems, some may be better categorized as multivariate and nonbinary. Finally, we conduct a meta-analysis of terms used to describe diversity in sexual phenotypes in the scientific literature to highlight how a multivariate model of sex can clarify, rather than cloud, studies of sexual diversity within and across species. We argue that such an expanded framework of "sex" better equips us to understand evolutionary processes, and that as biologists, it is incumbent upon us to push back against misunderstandings of the biology of sexual phenotypes that enact harm on marginalized communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F McLaughlin
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kinsey M Brock
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, College of Natural Resources, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Isabella Gates
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Anisha Pethkar
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Marcus Piattoni
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Alexis Rossi
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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Avilés JM, Cruz-Miralles Á, Parejo D. Colour-specific diet specialization is associated with differences in owlet weight in a polymorphic owl: influence of the trophic quality variation. Oecologia 2023; 203:181-191. [PMID: 37815597 PMCID: PMC10615958 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05460-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The niche divergence hypothesis proposes that the evolution and maintenance of colour polymorphism is based on a mechanism of disruptive selection. In a trophic context, the hypothesis predicts that individuals differing in colour vary in their trophic niche, either because they differ in foraging efficiency or feed in different habitats. A major evolutionary conundrum is how these expectations are affected by variation in trophic quality. Using an owl species with colour plumage polymorphism, the Eurasian scops owl Otus scops, we examined diet and habitat segregation during reproduction in relation to plumage colouration and trophic quality. Intensive sampling revealed that trophic quality for scops owls (i.e. abundance of grasshoppers and locusts) varied more among territories than between years, but scops owls did not segregate among territories of different quality by their colouration. However, we found that sex, plumage colouration and territory differences in trophic quality explained differences in the degree of dietary specialization. Brownish males delivered a higher diversity of prey to the nest than greyish ones in high trophic quality territories. We also found that the more diverse the diet provided by males, the heavier the owlets at fledging. Our study provides evidence for a different sensitivity to trophic quality of the colour morphs with potential fitness consequences in scops owls. We highlight the importance of studying the mechanisms leading to the persistence of colour polymorphism in patchy environments, since segregation may pass otherwise unnoticed if only habitats or years with similar conditions are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Miguel Avilés
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, EEZA-CSIC, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain.
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Ecología en el Antropoceno, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Ángel Cruz-Miralles
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Deseada Parejo
- Departamento de Ecología Funcional y Evolutiva, EEZA-CSIC, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (CSIC): Ecología en el Antropoceno, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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McLaughlin JF, Aguilar C, Bernstein JM, Navia-Gine WG, Cueto-Aparicio LE, Alarcon AC, Alarcon BD, Collier R, Takyar A, Vong SJ, López-Chong OG, Driver R, Loaiza JR, De León LF, Saltonstall K, Lipshutz SE, Arcila D, Brock KM, Miller MJ. Comparative phylogeography reveals widespread cryptic diversity driven by ecology in Panamanian birds. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36993716 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Widespread species often harbor unrecognized genetic diversity, and investigating the factors associated with such cryptic variation can help us better understand the forces driving diversification. Here, we identify potential cryptic species based on a comprehensive dataset of COI mitochondrial DNA barcodes from 2,333 individual Panamanian birds across 429 species, representing 391 (59%) of the 659 resident landbird species of the country, as well as opportunistically sampled waterbirds. We complement this dataset with additional publicly available mitochondrial loci, such as ND2 and cytochrome b, obtained from whole mitochondrial genomes from 20 taxa. Using barcode identification numbers (BINs), we find putative cryptic species in 19% of landbird species, highlighting hidden diversity in the relatively well-described avifauna of Panama. Whereas some of these mitochondrial divergence events corresponded with recognized geographic features that likely isolated populations, such as the Cordillera Central highlands, the majority (74%) of lowland splits were between eastern and western populations. The timing of these splits are not temporally coincident across taxa, suggesting that historical events, such as the formation of the Isthmus of Panama and Pleistocene climatic cycles, were not the primary drivers of cryptic diversification. Rather, we observed that forest species, understory species, insectivores, and strongly territorial species-all traits associated with lower dispersal ability-were all more likely to have multiple BINs in Panama, suggesting strong ecological associations with cryptic divergence. Additionally, hand-wing index, a proxy for dispersal capability, was significantly lower in species with multiple BINs, indicating that dispersal ability plays an important role in generating diversity in Neotropical birds. Together, these results underscore the need for evolutionary studies of tropical bird communities to consider ecological factors along with geographic explanations, and that even in areas with well-known avifauna, avian diversity may be substantially underestimated. LAY SUMMARY - What factors are common among bird species with cryptic diversity in Panama? What role do geography, ecology, phylogeographic history, and other factors play in generating bird diversity?- 19% of widely-sampled bird species form two or more distinct DNA barcode clades, suggesting widespread unrecognized diversity.- Traits associated with reduced dispersal ability, such as use of forest understory, high territoriality, low hand-wing index, and insectivory, were more common in taxa with cryptic diversity. Filogeografía comparada revela amplia diversidad críptica causada por la ecología en las aves de Panamá. RESUMEN Especies extendidas frecuentemente tiene diversidad genética no reconocida, y investigando los factores asociados con esta variación críptica puede ayudarnos a entender las fuerzas que impulsan la diversificación. Aquí, identificamos especies crípticas potenciales basadas en un conjunto de datos de códigos de barras de ADN mitocondrial de 2,333 individuos de aves de Panama en 429 especies, representando 391 (59%) de las 659 especies de aves terrestres residentes del país, además de algunas aves acuáticas muestreada de manera oportunista. Adicionalmente, complementamos estos datos con secuencias mitocondriales disponibles públicamente de otros loci, tal como ND2 o citocroma b, obtenidos de los genomas mitocondriales completos de 20 taxones. Utilizando los números de identificación de código de barras (en ingles: BINs), un sistema taxonómico numérico que proporcina una estimación imparcial de la diversidad potencial a nivel de especie, encontramos especies crípticas putativas en 19% de las especies de aves terrestres, lo que destaca la diversidad oculta en la avifauna bien descrita de Panamá. Aunque algunos de estos eventos de divergencia conciden con características geográficas que probablemente aislaron las poblaciones, la mayoría (74%) de la divergencia en las tierras bajas se encuentra entre las poblaciones orientales y occidentales. El tiempo de esta divergencia no coincidió entre los taxones, sugiriendo que eventos históricos tales como la formación del Istmo de Panamá y los ciclos climáticos del pleistoceno, no fueron los principales impulsores de la especiación. En cambio, observamos asociaciones fuertes entre las características ecológicas y la divergencia mitocondriale: las especies del bosque, sotobosque, con una dieta insectívora, y con territorialidad fuerte mostraton múltiple BINs probables. Adicionalmente, el índice mano-ala, que está asociado a la capacidad de dispersión, fue significativamente menor en las especies con BINs multiples, sugiriendo que la capacidad de dispersión tiene un rol importamente en la generación de la diversidad de las aves neotropicales. Estos resultos demonstran la necesidad de que estudios evolutivos de las comunidades de aves tropicales consideren los factores ecológicos en conjunto con las explicaciones geográficos. Palabras clave: biodiversidad tropical, biogeografía, códigos de barras, dispersión, especies crípticas.
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Abstract
Abstract
Variation in color morph behavior is an important factor in the maintenance of color polymorphism. Alternative anti-predator behaviors are often associated with morphological traits such as coloration, possibly because predator-mediated viability selection favors certain combinations of anti-predator behavior and color. The Aegean wall lizard, Podarcis erhardii, is color polymorphic and populations can have up to three monochromatic morphs: orange, yellow, and white. We investigated whether escape behaviors differ among coexisting color morphs, and if morph behaviors are repeatable across different populations with the same predator species. Specifically, we assessed color morph flight initiation distance (FID), distance to the nearest refuge (DNR), and distance to chosen refuge (DR) in two populations of Aegean wall lizards from Naxos island. We also analyzed the type of refugia color morphs selected and their re-emergence behavior following a standardized approach. We found that orange morphs have different escape behaviors from white and yellow morphs, and these differences are consistent in both populations we sampled. Orange morphs have shorter FIDs, DNRs, and DRs; select different refuge types; and re-emerge less often after being approached compared to white and yellow morphs. Observed differences in color morph escape behaviors support the idea that morphs have evolved alternative behavioral strategies that may play a role in population-level morph maintenance and loss.
Significance statement
Color polymorphic species often differ in behaviors related to reproduction, but differences in other behaviors are relatively underexplored. In this study, we use an experimental approach in two natural populations of color populations of color polymorphic lizards to determine that color morphs have diverged in their escape behaviors. By conducting our experiments in two different populations with similar predator regimes, we show for the first time that behavioral differences among intra-specific color morphs are repeatable across populations, suggesting that alternative behavioral strategies have evolved in this species. Using this experimental approach, we demonstrate that the brightest orange morph stays closer to refuge than other morphs, uses a different refuge type (vegetation) more often than other morphs (wall crevices), and take much longer to emerge from refuge after a simulated predation event than other morphs. Thus, selective pressures from visual predators may differ between morphs and play a role in the evolution and maintenance of color polymorphisms in these types of systems. Our study species, Podarcis erhardii, belongs to a highly color polymorphic genus (19/23 spp. are color polymorphic) that contains the same three color morphs, thus we believe our results may be relevant to more than just P. erhardii.
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Lattanzio MS. Climate mediates color morph turnover in a species exhibiting alternative reproductive strategies. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8474. [PMID: 35589926 PMCID: PMC9120169 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12300-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sexual selection is considered the primary driver of morph turnover in many color polymorphic taxa, yet the potential for other factors (like climate) to contribute to polymorphism maintenance and evolution remains unclear. Appreciation for a role of environmental conditions in the maintenance and evolution of color polymorphisms has grown in recent years, generating evidence suggesting that color morphs linked to sexual selection may also diverge in climate sensitivity. Focusing on the three color components contributing to the male tree lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) color morphs, I reveal a marked concordance between patterns of turnover over space and time, with a general affinity of orange- and yellow-colored males to hotter, more variable conditions, and blue colored males to wetter, cooler conditions. An assessment of long-term turnover in the blue color component in response to recent climate change over the past 60 years reinforces these findings. Overall, behavioral asymmetries attributed to sexual selection likely expose competing morphs to divergent environmental conditions in heterogeneous habitats, creating opportunity for natural selection to shape climate sensitivities that also drive turnover in morph color composition. Ultimately, these processes may favor stark asymmetries in morph persistence over the coming decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Lattanzio
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, 23606, USA.
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6
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Brock KM, McTavish EJ, Edwards DL. Color Polymorphism is a Driver of Diversification in the Lizard Family Lacertidae. Syst Biol 2021; 71:24-39. [PMID: 34146110 PMCID: PMC8677543 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Color polymorphism-two or more heritable color phenotypes maintained within a single breeding population-is an extreme type of intraspecific diversity widespread across the tree of life. Color polymorphism is hypothesized to be an engine for speciation, where morph loss or divergence between distinct color morphs within a species results in the rapid evolution of new lineages, and thus, color polymorphic lineages are expected to display elevated diversification rates. Multiple species in the lizard family Lacertidae are color polymorphic, making them an ideal group to investigate the evolutionary history of this trait and its influence on macroevolution. Here, we produce a comprehensive species-level phylogeny of the lizard family Lacertidae to reconstruct the evolutionary history of color polymorphism and test if color polymorphism has been a driver of diversification. Accounting for phylogenetic uncertainty with multiple phylogenies and simulation studies, we estimate an ancient origin of color polymorphism (111 Ma) within the Lacertini tribe (subfamily Lacertinae). Color polymorphism most likely evolved few times in the Lacertidae and has been lost at a much faster rate than gained. Evolutionary transitions to color polymorphism are associated with shifts in increased net diversification rate in this family of lizards. Taken together, our empirical results support long-standing theoretical expectations that color polymorphism is a driver of diversification.[Color polymorphism; Lacertidae; state-dependent speciation extinction models; trait-dependent diversification.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey M Brock
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced 5400 N. Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95340 USA
- Quantitative & Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced 5400 N. Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95340 USA
| | - Emily Jane McTavish
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced 5400 N. Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95340 USA
| | - Danielle L Edwards
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced 5400 N. Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95340 USA
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7
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García‐Rosales A, Stephenson BP, Ramírez‐Bautista A, Manjarrez J, Pavón NP. Female choice and male aggression in the polymorphic lizard
Sceloporus minor. Ethology 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.13228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron García‐Rosales
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Poblaciones Centro de Investigación Biológica Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo Mineral de La Reforma Mexico
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Comportamiento Animal Departamento de Biología Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana‐Iztapalapa Iztapalapa Mexico
| | | | - Aurelio Ramírez‐Bautista
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Poblaciones Centro de Investigación Biológica Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo Mineral de La Reforma Mexico
| | - Javier Manjarrez
- Centro de Investigación en Recursos Bióticos Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México Toluca Mexico
| | - Numa P. Pavón
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Comunidades Centro de Investigación Biológica Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo Mineral de La Reforma Mexico
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8
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Corlatti L, Cotza A, Nelli L. Linking alternative reproductive tactics and habitat selection in Northern chamois. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:7057-7068. [PMID: 34141275 PMCID: PMC8207148 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In polygynous ungulates, males may achieve fertilization through the use of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs), discrete phenotypic variations evolved to maximize fitness. ARTs are often associated with different male spatial strategies during the rut, from territoriality to female-following. Although variation in space use patterns of rutting male ungulates is known to be largely affected by the spatial distribution of females, information on the year-round habitat selection of alternative reproductive types is scant. Here, we investigate the seasonal variation in habitat choice of a large mammal with ARTs (territoriality and nonterritoriality), the Northern chamois Rupicapra rupicapra. Global Positioning System (GPS) data on 28 adult males were collected between February 2010 and December 2013 in the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy) and used to fit resource selection functions to explore the ART-specific use of key topographic features, such as elevation, aspect, and slope, and vegetation phenology expressed as NDVI values. Territorial and nonterritorial chamois profoundly differed in their habitat selection not only during the rutting season. Compared to nonterritorial males, territorial males used lower elevations in summer and autumn, preferred southern slopes in spring and summer, and used steeper areas in summer but not in winter. We found no difference in seasonal selection of NDVI values between males adopting ARTs. Our results suggest that territorial males tend to occupy warmer, lower-food-quality habitats in late spring and summer, whereas nonterritorial males are free to follow and exploit vegetation phenology and more favorable temperatures. Different patterns of habitat selection may reflect different trade-offs between the optimization of energy balances throughout the year and the increase of mating opportunities during the rut in males adopting alternative reproductive tactics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Corlatti
- Chair of Wildlife Ecology and ManagementUniversity of FreiburgFreiburgGermany
| | - Antonella Cotza
- Research Unit of Behavioural EcologyEthology and Wildlife ManagementUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
| | - Luca Nelli
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative MedicineUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
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DePasquale AN, Webb SE, Williamson RE, Fedigan LM, Melin AD. Testing the niche differentiation hypothesis in wild capuchin monkeys with polymorphic color vision. Behav Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The polymorphic color vision system present in most North, Central, and South American monkeys is a textbook case of balancing selection, yet the mechanism behind it remains poorly understood. Previous work has established task-specific foraging advantages to different color vision phenotypes: dichromats (red-green colorblind) are more efficient foraging for invertebrates, while trichromats (color “normal” relative to humans) are more efficient foraging for “reddish” ripe fruit, suggesting that niche differentiation may underlie the maintenance of color vision variation. We explore a prediction of the niche differentiation hypothesis by asking whether dichromatic and trichromatic capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) diverge in their foraging activity budget, specifically testing whether dichromats forage more frequently for invertebrates and trichromats forage more frequently for “reddish” ripe fruit. To assess this, we analyze a large data set of behavioral scan samples (n = 21 984) from 48 wild adult female capuchins of known color vision genotype, dominance rank, and reproductive status, together with models of food conspicuity. We find no significant differences between dichromats and trichromats in the frequency of scans spent foraging for different food types but do find that nursing females forage less overall than cycling females. Our results suggest that the potential for color-vision-based niche differentiation in foraging time may be curtailed by the energetic requirements of reproduction, behavioral synchrony caused by group living, and/or individual preferences. While niche differentiation in activity budgets by color vision type is not apparent, fine-scale niche differentiation may be occurring. This research enhances our understanding of the evolutionary processes maintaining sensory polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allegra N DePasquale
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Shasta E Webb
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Rachel E Williamson
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Linda M Fedigan
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Amanda D Melin
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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10
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Brock KM, Baeckens S, Donihue CM, Martín J, Pafilis P, Edwards DL. Trait differences among discrete morphs of a color polymorphic lizard, Podarcis erhardii. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10284. [PMID: 33194436 PMCID: PMC7649010 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Color polymorphism defies evolutionary expectations as striking phenotypic variation is maintained within a single species. Color and other traits mediate social interactions, and stable polymorphism within a population is hypothesized to be related to correlational selection of other phenotypic traits among color morphs. Here, we report on a previously unknown throat color polymorphism in the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and examine morph-correlated differences in traits important to social behavior and communication: maximum bite force capacity and chemical signal profile. We find that both sexes of P. erhardii have three color morphs: orange, yellow, and white. Moreover, orange males are significantly larger and tend to bite harder than yellow and white males. Although the established color polymorphism only partially matches the observed intraspecific variation in chemical signal signatures, the chemical profile of the secretions of orange males is significantly divergent from that of white males. Our findings suggest that morph colors are related to differences in traits that are crucial for social interactions and competitive ability, illustrating the need to look beyond color when studying polymorphism evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey M Brock
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America
| | - Simon Baeckens
- Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Biology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Colin M Donihue
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States of America
| | - José Martín
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Panayiotis Pafilis
- Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupolis, Athens, Greece.,Zoological Museum, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Danielle L Edwards
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, United States of America
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11
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Stuart‐Fox D, Aulsebrook A, Rankin KJ, Dong CM, McLean CA. Convergence and divergence in lizard colour polymorphisms. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 96:289-309. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Devi Stuart‐Fox
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Anne Aulsebrook
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Katrina J. Rankin
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Caroline M. Dong
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
- Sciences Department Museums Victoria 11 Nicholson Street Carlton Gardens VIC 3053 Australia
| | - Claire A. McLean
- School of BioSciences The University of Melbourne Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
- Sciences Department Museums Victoria 11 Nicholson Street Carlton Gardens VIC 3053 Australia
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12
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Durso AM, Smith GD, Hudson SB, French SS. Stoichiometric and stable isotope ratios of wild lizards in an urban landscape vary with reproduction, physiology, space and time. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa001. [PMID: 32082575 PMCID: PMC7019090 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spatial and temporal variation in stoichiometric and stable isotope ratios of animals contains ecological information that we are just beginning to understand. In both field and lab studies, stoichiometric or isotopic ratios are related to physiological mechanisms underlying nutrition or stress. Conservation and ecosystem ecology may be informed by isotopic data that can be rapidly and non-lethally collected from wild animals, especially where human activity leaves an isotopic signature (e.g. via introduction of chemical fertilizers, ornamental or other non-native plants or organic detritus). We examined spatial and temporal variation in stoichiometric and stable isotope ratios of the toes of Uta stansburiana (side-blotched lizards) living in urban and rural areas in and around St. George, Utah. We found substantial spatial and temporal variation as well as context-dependent co-variation with reproductive physiological parameters, although certain key predictions such as the relationship between δ15N and body condition were not supported. We suggest that landscape change through urbanization can have profound effects on wild animal physiology and that stoichiometric and stable isotope ratios can provide unique insights into the mechanisms underlying these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Durso
- Department of Biology and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84321 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Gulf Coast University, 10501 FGCU Blvd S, Fort Myers, FL 33965 USA
| | - Geoffrey D Smith
- Department of Biology and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84321 USA
- Biological Sciences Department, Dixie State University, 225 S. University Avenue, St. George, UT 84770 USA
| | - Spencer B Hudson
- Department of Biology and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84321 USA
| | - Susannah S French
- Department of Biology and the Ecology Center, Utah State University, 5305 Old Main Hill, Logan UT 84321 USA
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13
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García-Rosales A, Ramírez-Bautista A, Stephenson BP. Comparative morphology and trophic ecology in a population of the polymorphic lizard Sceloporus minor (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) from central Mexico. PeerJ 2019; 7:e8099. [PMID: 31772844 PMCID: PMC6876576 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphism among individuals of the same population has generally been linked to alternative reproductive tactics, where different morphs can exhibit differences in their morphological, ecological, and behavioral attributes. These differences may result in a divergence in diet between morphs due to differential exploitation of habitat, morphological differences that influence prey selection, or differential energy expenditure that results in different nutritional needs. The present study analyzes the morphology (morphometry and body mass) and diet of red and yellow male morphs in a population (El Enzuelado) of the lizard Sceloporus minor from central Mexico. No differences between morphs were found for any of the morphometric variables analyzed (snout-vent length, tail length, jaw length, jaw width, head length, head width, head height, tibia length, femur length, forearm length and ventral patch length). In both morphs, allometric growth was observed in all body features analyzed, as well as in morphometric features of the head across seasons. Analysis of stomach contents showed that the diet of red males was composed of 12 categories of prey, while that of yellow males was composed of 10 categories; those categories of diet not shared between morphs (e.g., Isoptera, Psocoptera) were consumed by their respective morph in very low proportions. Categories of diet with the highest values of food importance for both groups were Coleoptera, Orthoptera, and leaves; a similar pattern was seen across seasons. This, in turn, is reflected in low niche breadth values for each morph and a very high niche overlap. There were no significant differences between morphs overall, or between morphs per season, in the weight and volume of stomach contents or in the number of prey items found in stomachs; however, differences in these variables across all males (independent of morph) were recorded between seasons. Likewise, no significant correlations were found between body size (snout-vent length) and the volume of stomach contents for either morph or between lizard mandibular dimensions and the volume of stomach contents for red morph males. For the yellow morph, prey volume unexpectedly decreased significantly with jaw size rather than increasing as expected. Overall, this study adds new information about the morphology and feeding of males in this species, and suggests that in this population, color morphs lack the morphological and ecological differences found in some other species of polymorphic lizard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron García-Rosales
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Poblaciones, Centro de Investigación Biológica, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, México
| | - Aurelio Ramírez-Bautista
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Poblaciones, Centro de Investigación Biológica, Instituto de Ciencias Básicas e Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo, Pachuca, Hidalgo, México
| | - Barry P. Stephenson
- Department of Biology, Mercer University, Macon, GA, United States of America
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14
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Bestion E, Soriano-Redondo A, Cucherousset J, Jacob S, White J, Zinger L, Fourtune L, Di Gesu L, Teyssier A, Cote J. Altered trophic interactions in warming climates: consequences for predator diet breadth and fitness. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20192227. [PMID: 31662087 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Species interactions are central in predicting the impairment of biodiversity with climate change. Trophic interactions may be altered through climate-dependent changes in either predator food preferences or prey communities. Yet, climate change impacts on predator diet remain surprisingly poorly understood. We experimentally studied the consequences of 2°C warmer climatic conditions on the trophic niche of a generalist lizard predator. We used a system of semi-natural mesocosms housing a variety of invertebrate species and in which climatic conditions were manipulated. Lizards in warmer climatic conditions ate at a greater predatory to phytophagous invertebrate ratio and had smaller individual dietary breadths. These shifts mainly arose from direct impacts of climate on lizard diets rather than from changes in prey communities. Dietary changes were associated with negative changes in fitness-related traits (body condition, gut microbiota) and survival. We demonstrate that climate change alters trophic interactions through top-predator dietary shifts, which might disrupt eco-evolutionary dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvire Bestion
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, UMR 5321, Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, 09200 Moulis, France.,Environmental and Sustainability Institute, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Andrea Soriano-Redondo
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Julien Cucherousset
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, IRD; UMR5174, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Staffan Jacob
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, UMR 5321, Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, 09200 Moulis, France
| | - Joël White
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, IRD; UMR5174, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Lucie Zinger
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure, École Normale Superieure, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, CNRS UMR 8197, INSERM U1024, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Lisa Fourtune
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, UMR 5321, Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale, 09200 Moulis, France
| | - Lucie Di Gesu
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, IRD; UMR5174, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Aimeric Teyssier
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, IRD; UMR5174, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France.,Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Julien Cote
- CNRS, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, ENSFEA, IRD; UMR5174, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse, France
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15
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Giery ST, Layman CA. Ecological Consequences Of Sexually Selected Traits: An Eco-Evolutionary Perspective. QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1086/702341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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16
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Paterson JE, Blouin-Demers G. Male throat colour polymorphism is related to differences in space use and in habitat selection in tree lizards. J Zool (1987) 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. E. Paterson
- Department of Biology; University of Ottawa; Ottawa ON Canada
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17
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Krohmaly KI, Martin ZW, Lattanzio MS. Male mate choice and the potential for complex mating dynamics in the tree lizard (Urosaurus ornatus). Ethology 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie I. Krohmaly
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology; Christopher Newport University; Newport News VA USA
| | - Zachary W. Martin
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology; Christopher Newport University; Newport News VA USA
| | - Matthew S. Lattanzio
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology; Christopher Newport University; Newport News VA USA
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18
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Behavioral and physiological polymorphism in males of the austral lizard Liolaemus sarmientoi. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2017; 204:219-230. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-017-1233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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19
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Jaworski KE, Lattanzio MS. Physiological Consequences of Food Limitation for a Color Polymorphic Lizard: Are Coping Responses Morph-Specific? COPEIA 2017. [DOI: 10.1643/cp-17-597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Paterson JE, Blouin-Demers G. Distinguishing discrete polymorphism from continuous variation in throat colour of tree lizards, Urosaurus ornatus. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blw024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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21
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Taylor JN, Lattanzio MS. Boldness, Dominance, and Territoriality in the Color Polymorphic Tree Lizard, Urosaurus ornatus. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie N. Taylor
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology; Christopher Newport University; Newport News VA 23606 USA
| | - Matthew S. Lattanzio
- Department of Organismal and Environmental Biology; Christopher Newport University; Newport News VA 23606 USA
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