IRSCHICK, D. J.; CARLISLE, E.; ELSTROTT, J.; RAMOS, M.; BUCKLEY, C.; VANHOOYDONCK, B.; MEYERS, J.; HERREL, A.; Tulane University; Tulane University; Tulane University; Tulane University; Tulane University; University of Antwertp; Northern Arizona University; University of Antwertp: Comparing habitat use, morphology, and performance in two divergent Anolis lizard populations

We compared external morphology, habitat use, and two performance abilities (clinging and biting) in two Louisiana populations of Anolis carolinensis lizards. One population (Good Hope Field) occurs in a freshwater swamp characterized by dense vegetation and numerous potential predators. The other population (Tulane University) is characterized by simple vegetation (primarily large leaves), and few potential predators. We sampled a large series of juvenile, female and male lizards in both habitats, and found that the two populations differ markedly in habitat use, biting performance, and size-adjusted limb dimensions. Tulane campus lizards occupied large leaves close to the ground, whereas Good Hope Field lizards used branches or the trunks of bushes and trees. Thus, Tulane lizards occurred on significantly lower and broader perches compared to Good Hope Field lizards. Tulane lizards tended to have relatively shorter limb dimensions, and also exhibited a significantly higher scaling coefficient for bite force (slope = 3.54 vs. 2.64 for Good Hope Field). By contrast, clinging ability did not differ significantly between populations. The unusually high bite forces of Tulane male lizards may have arisen as a consequence of increased male-male conflict, due to both the open nature of the habitat, and release from predators. However, our analyses do not reveal whether these interpopulational differences are plastic, or are a result of fixed genetic differences.