MATTINGLY, W.B.*; MATTINGLY, A.R.; JAYNE, B.C.: A comparative field study of the effects of habitat structure on the preferred speeds of Anolis lizards on South Bimini, Bahamas

Although lizards have been a model system for lab studies of maximal locomotor performance, field data concerning the effects of habitat structure on preferred speeds are largely lacking. We quantified perch use and its effects on the preferred speeds of four similarly sized ecomorphs of Anolis lizards (A. sagrei, A. carolinensis, A. angusticeps, and A. distichus) on South Bimini, Bahamas. This field study focused primarily on how perch diameter and incline affect the undisturbed locomotion of each species. Previous studies have often quantified habitat use without regard to habitat availability. In light of this disparity, we measured habitat use in relation to habitat availability, which allowed us to determine whether perch use is random or selective for each ecomorph. By assessing the correlation between perch type and locomotor function, we quantified the predictive value of habitat structure in determining the preferred speeds of given ecomorphs. This field study uniquely integrates elements of behavior, morphology, and function with habitat structure. This integrative approach is important because of the potential interactive effects of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that affect an organism’s locomotor function. Supported by NSF IBN 9983003.