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Wall Lizard (wall + lizard)
Selected AbstractsMultivariate phenotypes and the potential for alternative phenotypic optima in wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) ventral colour morphsJOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2010B. CALSBEEK Abstract A major goal in evolutionary biology is to determine how phenotypic variation arises and is maintained in natural populations. Recent studies examining the morphological, physiological and behavioural differences among discrete colour morphotypes (morphs) have revealed several mechanisms that maintain discrete variation within populations, including frequency-dependence, density-dependence and correlational selection. For example, trade-offs over resource allocation to morphological, physiological and behavioural traits can drive correlational selection for morph-specific phenotypic optima. Here, we describe a ventral colour polymorphism in the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) and test the hypothesis that morphs differ along multivariate axes defined by trade-offs in morphological, physiological, and immunological traits. We show that ventral colour is a discrete trait and that morphs differ in body size, prevalence of infection by parasites and infection intensity. We also find that morphs differ along multivariate phenotypic axes and experience different multivariate selection pressures. Our results suggest that multivariate selection pressures may favour alternative optimal morph-specific phenotypes in P. muralis. [source] Characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in the Dalmatian wall lizard Podarcis melisellensis (Squamata: Lacertidae)MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES, Issue 1 2009K. HUYGHE Abstract We describe polymerase chain reaction primers and amplification conditions for 13 highly polymorphic microsatellite DNA loci isolated from the Dalmatian wall lizard, Podarcis melisellensis. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 12 to 41, with levels of observed heterozygosity between 0.62 and 0.94. Most of these loci were successfully cross-amplified in the closely related species P. sicula, but levels of polymorphism were always lower. [source] It is all in the head: morphological basis for differences in bite force among colour morphs of the Dalmatian wall lizardBIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2009KATLEEN HUYGHE Males of the lizard Podarcis melisellensis occur in three distinct colours that differ in bite performance, with orange males biting harder than white or yellow ones. Differences in bite force among colour morphs are best explained by differences in head height, suggesting underlying variation in cranial shape and/or the size of the jaw adductors. To explore this issue further, we examined variation in cranial shape, using geometric morphometric techniques. Additionally, we quantified differences in jaw adductor muscle mass. No significant differences in size corrected head shape were found, although some shape trends could be detected between the colour morphs. Orange males have relatively larger jaw adductors than yellow males. Not only the mass of the external jaw adductors, but also that of the internal jaw adductors was greater for the orange morph. Data for other cranial muscles not related to biting suggest that this is not the consequence of an overall increase in robustness in orange individuals. These results suggest that differences in bite performance among morphs are caused specifically by an increase in the mass of the jaw adductor, which may be induced by differences in circulating hormone levels. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 96, 13,22. [source] Complex biogeographical distribution of genetic variation within Podarcis wall lizards across the Strait of GibraltarJOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY, Issue 9 2002D. J. Harris Abstract Aim, To examine the effect of a known geological barrier on genetic variation within a wall lizard species complex. Location, The Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. Methods, Sequencing of partial 12S rRNA and cytochrome b mtDNA. Results, The current distribution of genetic variability is not related to the opening of the Strait of Gibraltar. Conclusions,Podarcis hispanica in North Africa is probably a species complex. The Strait of Gibraltar should not be used as a known barrier to gene flow in other land based organisms without careful sampling to test for multiple crossings since its formation. [source] Morphological correlates of burst speed and field movement patterns: the behavioural adjustment of locomotion in wall lizards (Podarcis muralis)BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY, Issue 1 2003FLORENTINO BRAÑA Locomotion of lizards has clear morphological determinants and is important for developing activities such as feeding, social interaction and predator avoidance. Thus, morphological variation is believed to have fitness consequences through affecting locomotor performance. This paper firstly evaluates the dependence of burst speed on morphology, and secondly examines the movement patterns of free-ranging undisturbed wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) engaged in several kinds of activity. Body size was the most important correlate of burst speed as performed at the optimal temperature for running in the laboratory. After removing size effects from performance and morphological traits, the length of some particular limb segments had positive influence on burst speed, but these effects were weak, each trait explaining less than 16% of variance in burst speed. Free-ranging P. muralis exhibited intermittent locomotion, with movement sequences interrupted by frequent short pauses. Field movement patterns greatly differed depending upon the kind of activity and were in most aspects independent of the size and sex of the animal. P. muralis involved in thermoregulation performed short and low-speed displacements; exploratory activities were characterized by frequent, slow and short movements. On the contrary, lizards involved in intraspecific pursuits and predator escape developed comparatively high speeds, although only exceptionally did they attain the size-specific burst speed predicted from the laboratory trials. Speed of escape increased with distance to the refuge and the animals are able to assess predation risks to modulate approach distance, speed and pauses, so maximum exertion is seldom required. The evolution of locomotor capacities exceeding routine needs is discussed in the context of the principle of ,excessive construction'. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003, 80, 135,146. [source] | ||||||||||