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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.)

Peculiar relationships among morphology, burrowing performance and sand type in two fossorial microteiid lizards

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Author(s):
de Barros, Fabio C. [1, 2] ; Grizante, Mariana B. [3, 1] ; Zampieri, Felipe A. M. [1] ; Kohlsdorf, Tiana [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, FFCLRP, Ave Bandeirantes 3900, BR-14040901 Ribeirdo Preto, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol & Evolutionary Biol, ICAQF, Rua Prof Artur Riedel 275, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP - Brazil
[3] Inst Dante Pazzanese Cardiol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOOLOGY; v. 144, FEB 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Associations among ecology, morphology and locomotor performance have been intensively investigated in several vertebrate lineages. Knowledge on how phenotypes evolve in natural environments likely benefits from identification of circumstances that might expand current ecomorphological equations. In this study, we used two species of Calyptommatus lizards from Brazilian Caatingas to evaluate if specific soil properties favor burrowing performance. As a derived prediction, we expected that functional associations would be easily detectable at the sand condition that favors low-resistance burrowing. We collected two endemic lizards and soil samples in their respective localities, obtained morphological data and recorded performance of both species in different sand types. As a result, the two species burrowed faster at the fine and homogeneous sand, the only condition where we detected functional associations between morphology and locomotion. In this sand type, lizards from both Calyptommatus species that have higher trunks and more concave heads were the ones that burrowed faster, and these phenotypic traits did not morphologically discriminate the two Calyptommatus populations studied. We discuss that integrative approaches comprising manipulation of environmental conditions clearly contribute to elucidate processes underlying phenotypic evolution in fossorial lineages. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/07650-6 - Ecology, evolution and development (Eco-Evo-Devo) in the Brazilian herpetofauna
Grantee:Tiana Kohlsdorf
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants