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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
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Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments
Published on: May 21, 2019
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Long-term evolutionary persistence of a cryptic color polymorphism in frogs.
Sandra Goutte1, Stéphane Boissinot1,2
1Division of Science, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Summary
Cryptic color polymorphism in frogs, involving green and brown morphs, can persist for long evolutionary periods. This trait enhances survival in varied environments and drives higher diversification rates in anuran lineages.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics
- Herpetology
Background:
- Color polymorphism aids cryptic species survival in diverse environments.
- Mechanisms maintaining cryptic color polymorphisms and their macroevolutionary impact are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary history of green and brown morphs in anurans.
- To identify the genetic basis and selection pressures of this widespread polymorphism.
Main Methods:
- Order-scale comparative analysis of anuran evolutionary history.
- Identification of the specific genetic locus for green/brown polymorphism in African grass frogs.
Main Results:
- Polymorphic anuran lineages exhibit frequent habitat switching and increased diversification rates.
- The green/brown polymorphism is maintained by long-term balancing selection, leading to trans-specific polymorphism.
Conclusions:
- A microevolutionary mechanism explains the macroevolutionary persistence of cryptic color morphs.
- Cryptic color polymorphism is crucial for anuran ecology and evolution, influencing genetic architecture and selective forces.
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