Territorial status is explained by covariation between boldness, exploration, and thermal preference in a colour...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Color polymorphic species exhibit variations in morphology, physiology, and behavior.
• Behavioral traits like boldness and exploration are linked to dominance and influence resource access.
• Social structures in color morphs can lead to niche specialization, particularly in thermal environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate covariation between boldness, exploratory behavior, and thermal preference in the color polymorphic tree lizard, Urosaurus ornatus.
• Assess trait variation between territorial and non-territorial male morphs and between orange and yellow female morphs.
• Understand how behavioral mechanisms contribute to niche specialization and the maintenance of color polymorphism.

Main Methods:

• Assessed repeatability of boldness and exploratory behavior in male Urosaurus ornatus.
• Examined the relationship between behavior and tail loss, a potential consequence of boldness.
• Compared thermal preferences (set-point temperature) and behavioral traits between distinct male and female morphs.

Main Results:

• Boldness and exploratory behavior were repeatable in male U. ornatus.
• Bolder individuals were more likely to experience tail loss.
• Territorial male morphs exhibited significantly higher boldness and exploratory behavior, preferring higher body temperatures with a narrower set-point compared to non-territorial morphs.
• No significant variation in behavioral or thermal traits was found between female morphs.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral traits, specifically boldness and exploration, are linked to dominance and influence niche segregation in Urosaurus ornatus.
• These behavioral differences contribute to variable habitat use among color morphs.
• Behavioral mechanisms play a crucial role in the maintenance of color polymorphism within populations.