Meeting Abstract

26.2  Jan. 5  Repeated evolution of morphology, performance, and behavior in Hispaniolan lizards: a population-level analysis GIFFORD, M.E.*; MAHLER, D.L.; HERREL, A.; Washington University; Harvard University; University of Antwerp gifford@biology2.wustl.edu

Variation in habitat characteristics among populations and species is thought to impose different selective pressures on organisms. Among lizard species, the degree of vegetative structure in an area has been shown to influence a combination of traits (both behavioral and morphological). Among populations, similar patterns may be expected, but few studies have addressed population-level variation. In this study we examined predator avoidance behavior, morphology, whole animal performance capacity, and predation intensity in three phylogenetically independent population pairs of Hispaniolan lizards (Leiocephalus) inhabiting environments that differ in amount of vegetative cover. We present evidence that predation intensity does not differ between open and cluttered habitats but that the interaction between predation and habitat structure influences the correlated evolution of morphology, performance, and behavior. This pattern is repeated between populations in two species suggesting that this suite of traits may be adaptive, although plasticity cannot be ruled out at this point.