Morphological evolution in Tropidurinae squamates: an integrated view along a continuum of ecological settings

Author(s)

Grizante, M. B. ^[1] ; Navas, C. A. ^[2] ; Garland, Jr., T. ^[3] ; Kohlsdorf, T. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, FFCLRP, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol, Biosci Inst, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Calif Riverside, Dept Biol, Riverside, CA 92521 - USA

• Document type: Review article
• Source: JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY; v. 23, n. 1, p. 98-111, JAN 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 22

Abstract

Variation in squamate foot morphology is likely relevant during evolutionary processes of habitat colonization because distinct surfaces differ in energetic and functional demands for locomotion. We combined new foot morphological data with published information of limb and tail lengths to investigate evolutionary changes possibly associated with the differential usage of ecological settings by Tropidurinae species. Several traits exhibited significant phylogenetic signal, and we performed conventional and phylogenetic regressions of PC scores (retained from Principal Components Analyses of morphometric traits) on continuous ecological indices. Tropidurines from sandy habitats exhibit larger foot soles, opposite to the evolution of narrow feet in species that use branches and rocks. Also, species that usually move along trunks present longer femora. This study provides evidence for morphological adaptations associated with substrate usage in Tropidurinae, and suggests that opposite morphological profiles might evolve associated with the use of surfaces energetically and functionally contrasting, possibly leading to trade-offs. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 03/01577-8 - Causes and correlations of physiological variation: role of environmental and behavioral gradients at different levels of organization
• Grantee: Carlos Arturo Navas Iannini
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants