What evidence did you find that supports the hypothesis of convergent evolution in Anolis lizards on Caribbean islands?
The DNA evidence suggests that species from the same island are more closely related than are species from the same ecomorph group. This finding supports the hypothesis that most of the lizards on each island evolved independently, in a process of convergent evolution, although there are exceptions.
How are anole lizards an example of convergent evolution?
Anoles are small, colour-changing lizards that are abundant in the Caribbean, and especially in the Greater Antilles. That’s because the anoles are an extraordinary example of convergent evolution—where different living things independently acquire the same adaptations to the same challenges.
How do anole lizards demonstrate adaptive radiation?
What drives evolutionary diversification of anoles? The classic idea of adaptive radiation is that it results from interspecific competition driving initially similar species to diverge in resource use and adapt to new habitats. These predictions are strongly supported for anoles.
What conclusion can you draw about the evolution of the Anolis lizards Based on these figures?
What conclusion can you draw about the evolution of the Anolis lizards based on these figures? The lizards are more closely related to lizards on the same island than lizards with the same body type. They all share one common ancestor. What is convergent evolution?
Which statement best explains why islands can be used as natural laboratories?
Islands are good natural laboratories for scientists to conduct experiments on the role of natural selection in driving adaptations in populations because they are isolated and have relatively simple ecosystems.
What was the purpose of Dr Losos experiment?
Losos examined whether similar lizards on different islands were closely related or whether they developed their traits separately, in response to the needs placed on them by their habitat.
What is an adaptation of the Anolis lizard?
In 15 years, these lizards’ toe pads have become larger, with more sticky scales on their feet. The study’s authors say these adaptations are a response to an invasive species, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), that came from Cuba and arrived via agricultural shipments coming to South Florida in the 1950s.
What is convergent evolution use evidence from this lab to explain how Anolis lizards are an example of this concept?
Two anoles on different islands can have similar traits as long as their ecological niches are similar. an example of this concept. Convergent evolution is where organisms that aren’t closely related independently evolve and have similar traits due to similar environments or ecological niches.
What traits are the scientists comparing between the anoles?
Table 1
| Gene | Population | Θ |
|---|---|---|
| HMGCS | North Carolina | 0.00197 |
| Gulf-Atlantic | 0.00244 | |
| RALGAPA | Central Florida | 0.00168 |
| Everglades | 0.00159 |
Why do Anolis lizards have long tails?
These anoles are small and have long legs and strikingly long tails that help them balance on thin branches and blades of grass. The long-legged adaptation helps the trunk-ground anoles not only catch prey on the ground but also avoid predators that live in their habitats.
What conclusion can you draw about the evolution of the Anolis lizards Based on these figures quizlet?
The conclusion I can draw about the evolution of the Anolis lizards is based on ecological niches on an island rather than the entire island itself. Two anoles on different islands can have similar traits as long as their ecological niches are similar. an example of this concept.
Did the effects of natural selection occur in a lizard population in response to an extreme cold event?
Scientists investigated how these extremely cold temperatures affected local populations of anole lizards. These lizards’ ability to tolerate cold is an inherited trait. The scientists thought that the extremely cold winter could cause natural selection on this trait.
What do the dewlaps of Anolis lizards do?
The dewlaps of Anolis lizards provide a classic example of a complex signaling system whose function and evolution is poorly understood. Dewlaps are flaps of skin beneath the chin that are extended and combined with head and body movements for visual signals and displays.
How is the evolution of anoles based on convergence?
The Ecomorph Convergence hypothesis [18] is based on the extensive convergence seen among the anole radiations in the Greater Antilles. On each island, anoles have radiated mostly independently, producing the same set of habitat specialists, termed “ecomorphs”, on each island [19] – [20].
Why do anoles extend and retract their dewlaps?
Anoles extend and retract their dewlaps in various temporal patterns, frequently combined with head and other body movements, that are thought to communicate mating and territorial interests [4], [13], as well as being used in predator deterrence [14].
How are anoles adapted to live on different islands?
On each island, anoles have radiated mostly independently, producing the same set of habitat specialists, termed “ecomorphs”, on each island [19] – [20]. Convergence among members of the same ecomorph class involves limb and tail length, head dimensions, toe-pad characteristics, sexual dimorphism, and other characters [18], [21] – [23].