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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
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Testing Visual Sensitivity to the Speed and Direction of Motion in Lizards
Published on: December 14, 2006
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Condition dependence of shared traits differs between sympatric Anolis lizards
John David Curlis1, Ryan William Davis2, Emily Zetkulic3
1Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia.
Summary
Sexually selected traits in ground anoles (Anolis humilis) are condition-dependent, unlike in slender anoles (Anolis limifrons). This suggests evolutionary flexibility in trait condition dependence among related species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Sexual Selection
Background:
- Sexually selected traits provide fitness benefits but require significant energy investment, making them condition-dependent.
- Condition dependence of shared traits across closely related species is not well understood.
- Anolis lizards offer a model system to study the evolution of condition dependence in sexually selected traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate condition dependence in sexually selected traits of two closely related Anolis lizard species.
- To compare the condition dependence of dewlap area, jaw length, jaw width, and sprint speed between ground anoles and slender anoles.
Main Methods:
- Measured dewlap area, jaw length, jaw width, and sprint speed in Anolis humilis and Anolis limifrons.
- Regressed two indices of body condition onto each measured trait for both species.
- Analyzed differences in condition dependence between the two species.
Main Results:
- Dewlap area and jaw width showed condition dependence in ground anoles (Anolis humilis) but not in slender anoles (Anolis limifrons).
- Sprint speed and jaw length were not condition-dependent in either species.
- Ground anoles, with larger relative dewlap size, exhibited condition dependence, suggesting a role for signal evolution or sexual selection strength.
Conclusions:
- The findings imply evolutionary lability in the condition dependence of shared sexually selected traits.
- Variation in condition dependence may influence the evolution of sexual trait diversity, such as dewlap size in Anolis lizards.
- Condition dependence of sexually selected traits can evolve and vary even between closely related species.
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