Lizard Lab Virtual Experiment

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Questions and Answers

What criteria did you initially use to sort the lizards?

I based my criteria on the size of the anoles' legs.

Did you revise your criteria later?

False

Provide one example of an adaptation in the Anolis lizards.

Short legs on the Sheplani Hispaniola Anolis lizard.

Provide one evolutionary explanation for why lizards in the same habitat would have similar characteristics.

They exhibit characteristics that are most fit for survival in their habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What is an ecomorph?

Species with similar body types and habitats. Signup and view all the answers

How is an ecomorph different from a species?

An ecomorph classifies organisms based solely on body types and habitats. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how a body feature of an ecomorph is an adaptation for its niche.

The Occultus Puerto Rico Anole has short legs for climbing on slim twigs. Signup and view all the answers

What information did you use to determine the similarity of lizard species?

DNA sequence analysis. Signup and view all the answers

Are similar body type species more closely related based on DNA evidence?

False Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can you draw about the evolution of the Anolis lizards?

Evolution is based on ecological niches rather than just geographical locations. Signup and view all the answers

What is convergent evolution?

Independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated organisms because of similar environments. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it important that the experimental islands lacked lizards?

It allowed for isolation of each ecomorph for easier study. Signup and view all the answers

How does your data support or refute Dr. Losos's claim about leg lengths?

The data supports the claim by showing lizards evolved to have shorter legs on the experimental islands. Signup and view all the answers

How might the average leg length of the population change over time?

The average leg length will shrink due to natural selection favoring shorter legs. Signup and view all the answers

Would lizards from two populations with different leg lengths still mate?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is an adaptive explanation for the different dewlap colors in two Anolis species?

A.cristatellus has a brighter dewlap to attract females in a shaded environment. Signup and view all the answers

How do the dewlap colors of the two species compare?

A.cristatellus has a brighter dewlap by +2.3, and A.cooki has a darker dewlap by -2.3. Signup and view all the answers

How would you determine if the difference between two lizard populations is statistically significant?

By observing the differences in bar lengths in the generated graph. Signup and view all the answers

Predict what would happen to the color of the dewlap if dark-dewlap lizards colonized a heavily forested island.

The dewlaps would eventually become lighter shades due to natural selection. Signup and view all the answers

How do the anoles demonstrate resource partitioning?

They inhabit different niches based on body characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Explain resource partitioning similar to how warblers utilize an individual tree.

Anoles separate into different areas of their environment for better survival. Signup and view all the answers

How can resource partitioning promote long-term coexistence of competing species?

It reduces competition by allowing species to share resources without conflict. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lizard Adaptations and Ecomorphs

Initial sorting of lizards based on leg size, believed to be related to habitat evolution.
Adaptations enhance survival; short legs in the sheplani Hispaniola anole allow it to grip slim branches, aiding in its survival.
Similar characteristics in grass-dwelling lizards arise from evolving traits best suited for survival in that habitat.

Ecomorphs Defined

Ecomorphs are groups of species sharing similar body types and habitats; "eco" relates to ecological niche and "morph" pertains to morphology.
Example: Both sheplani Hispaniola and occultus Puerto Rico lizards have short legs, demonstrating how form relates to function in specific environments.

Evolutionary Relationships

Ecomorph classification differs from species classification; ecomorphs focus on body shape and habitat while species classifications consider additional traits like color.
DNA sequence analysis has shown that lizards with similar body types may not be more closely related, indicating evolutionary divergence.

Convergent Evolution

Convergent evolution occurs when unrelated organisms develop similar traits due to comparable environments; Anolis lizards exemplify this with differing species on various islands exhibiting similar adaptations.

Experimental Findings

Experimental islands lacking lizards allowed for the isolation and study of ecomorph evolution.
Evidence from Dr. Losos's experiments showed that shorter legs better suited the environment, supporting adaptive changes within lizard populations through natural selection.

Impact of Habitat Changes

Average leg length in lizard populations is expected to decrease over time due to environmental pressures; those with shorter legs will have better survival rates.
Reintroduction of short-leg and long-leg populations would not hinder mating, as they share species classification and genetic compatibility.

Dewlap Color Adaptation

Adaptations in dewlap color correlate with habitat; A.cristatellus with a bright dewlap thrives in shaded areas, while A.cooki's dark dewlap suits sunny environments.
Comparison of dewlap brightness indicates significant differences between the two species.

Statistical Significance

Differences between population characteristics can be statistically assessed by comparing bar lengths in graphical data.

Natural Selection and Dewlap Color

If dark-dewlap anoles colonized a shaded island, selection pressures would likely lead to lighter dewlaps over time for better mating success.

Resource Partitioning

Anoles demonstrate resource partitioning by occupying distinct niches, reducing competition; longer-legged anoles efficiently navigate ground and trunk habitats.
Similar to warbler species, different anole species inhabit various areas in their ecosystem, facilitating coexistence and enhancing biodiversity.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of lizard classification in this virtual lab. You will evaluate criteria for sorting anoles and consider the evolutionary aspects influencing their traits. Review your knowledge on adaptation and classification in a fun way!