Model Clades Versus Model Species: Anolis Lizards as an Integrative Model of Anatomical Evolution

Anolis lizards , known for their replicated patterns of morphological diversification, are widely studied in the fields of evolution and ecology. As a textbook example of adaptive radiation, this genus has supported decades of intense study in natural history, behavior, morphological evolution, and systematics. Following the publication of the A. carolinensis genome, research on Anolis lizards has expanded into new areas, toward obtaining an understanding the developmental and genetic bases of anole diversity. Here, we discuss recent progress in these areas and the burgeoning methodological toolkit that has been used to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying anatomical variation in this group. We also highlight the growing number of studies that have used A. carolinensis as the representative squamate in large-scale comparison of amniote evolution and development . Finally, we address one of the largest technical challenges biologists are facing in making Anolis a model for integrative studies of ecology, evolution, development , and genetics, the development of ex-ovo culturing techniques that have broad utility. Ultimately, with the power to ask questions across all biological scales in this diverse genus full, anoles are rapidly becoming a uniquely integrative and powerful biological system.