BUCKLEY, Christine R.*; ADOLPH, Steven C.; IRSCHICK, Duncan J.; Tulane University; Harvey Mudd College; Tulane University: Persistence of incubation effects on the phenotypes of hatchling western fence lizards, Sceloporus occidentalis

The conditions under which an organism develops can have profound effects on its phenotype and subsequent evolution. Recently, incubation temperatures and their effects on offspring phenotypes have received increased attention in the evolutionary literature, and a wealth of empirical data reveals substantial physiological effects of the incubation environment on offspring performance and behavior. Many empirical studies assume that the effects of incubation temperature are adaptive. To date, however, few studies have determined whether these effects persist (i.e. remain adaptive) throughout an animal�s lifetime. Other factors, including the rearing environment, may prove more important to a young organism than its incubation temperature. To test this prediction, we incubated eggs of the western fence lizard, Sceloporus occidentalis, from two different populations (1370 and 2230m elevation, respectively) under temperature conditions representative of both sites. A split-clutch design allowed us to separate the effects of population of origin from incubation environment. These hatchlings were then raised under identical thermal conditions. We measured the hatchlings� morphology, sprint speed and thermal preference immediately following hatching, and every two weeks for up to 11 weeks after. As predicted, incubation temperature had a significant effect on incubation timing and hatchling morphology. Here we discuss the persistence of these effects into the life of a juvenile lizard.