Meeting Abstract

16.3  Saturday, Jan. 4 10:45  Mechanisms of niche divergence in an Atlantic Forest lizard group STRANGAS, M.L.*; RECODER, R.S.; RODRIGUES, M.T.; CARNAVAL, A.C.; City University of New York; Universidade de Sao Paulo; Universidade de Sao Paulo; City University of New York mariastrangas@gmail.com

Determining the mechanisms that drive niche divergence in closely related taxa has the potential to greatly improve our understanding of the evolutionary processes that promote diversification. Here, we integrate phylogeny, macro and microclimate and morphology to explore the mechanisms behind the divergent evolution of five gymnophthalmid lizard species in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses reveal repeated instances of divergent macrohabitat use in sister species, with some taxa in dry, rocky outcrops and others in humid rainforest. By comparing microclimate data from distinct habitats, we test the hypothesis that species found in different macrohabitats have the opportunity to behaviorally select similar environments. Despite potential similarity in microenvironment availability, lizards in different habitats are thought to encounter distinct structural environments. Thus, we expected morphological characteristics to be under strong divergent selection according to habitat type, and thus show high lability in this clade. To test this, we measured and compared eco-morphological traits across species and habitat types.