Masters Theses
Date of Award
12-2016
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Major
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Major Professor
Arthur C. Echternacht
Committee Members
Benjamin M. Fitzpatrick, Daniel Simberloff
Abstract
Understanding color polymorphism and associated ecological and morphological divergence is important to improving out knowledge of diversity and speciation; anoles are a model clade for addressing these questions. Anolis conspersus (the Grand Cay- man blue-throated anole) is endemic to a small island and has color variants (green, blue, and brown morphs) that are spatially arranged despite a lack of wider environmental gradients. I examined aspects of ecological and morphological variation among and within A. conspersus populations throughout Grand Cayman to evaluate potential divergence between color morphs. No substantial differences in habitat use or morphology were detected. The blue and green morphs were difficult to categorize, suggesting the A. conspersus color system is more complicated than previously believed.
Recommended Citation
Peterson, Christopher Ryan, "Color, Color Pattern, Habitat Use, and Morphology of Anolis conspersus. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2016.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/4302