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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Digit identity matters: origin and evolution of sexual dimorphism in the digit lengths of tropidurid lizards

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Author(s):
Lofeu, Leandro [1] ; Brandt, Renata [1, 2] ; Kohlsdorf, Tiana [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, FFCLRP, Ave Bandeirantes 3900, BR-14040900 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Sci North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 5S9 - Canada
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society; v. 131, n. 1, p. 109-121, SEP 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Sexual dimorphism in digit lengths reflects phenotypic evolution mediated by developmental steroids. Differences in the identity of the sexually-dimorphic digit may evolve if the concentrations of sex-steroid receptors in the digit are easily modified and the initial changes have low impact on fitness. Accordingly, sexual dimorphism in digit lengths might initially originate under neutral selective regimes, being subsequently co-opted by embryonic hormonal effects on sensitive traits that are more likely to be targeted by selection. Correlated variation among sexually-dimorphic traits might therefore reflect pleiotropic hormonal modulation during development. Moreover, the identity and trend of the sexually-dimorphic digit might be evolutionarily labile even among closely-related species. We evaluated this model by assessing the identity of sexually-dimorphic digits among 11 Tropiduridae lizard species and inferring evolutionary patterns of sexual dimorphism. Assuming that digit lengths can be used as a proxy for hormonal modulation of steroid-sensitive traits during development, we tested for evolutionary associations among sexual dimorphism of digit lengths, body size and other traits that may be direct targets of sexual selection in the Tropiduridae. Sexual dimorphism in digit lengths is evolutionarily labile in the Tropiduridae, and diversity, instead of conservatism, seems to rule developmental mechanisms underlying the evolution of sexual dimorphism in digit ratios. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/14125-0 - Integrative analysis of sexual dimorphism in lizards: morphology, functional significance and selection
Grantee:Renata Brandt Nunes
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 15/07650-6 - Ecology, evolution and development (Eco-Evo-Devo) in the Brazilian herpetofauna
Grantee:Tiana Kohlsdorf
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants