Ecomorphology, microhabitat use, performance and reproductive output in tropical lygosomine lizards

摘要: Ecomorphology is the study of correlations between morphology and habitat(s) in organisms. If tightly correlated with habitat, then differences should directly affect fitness via their effect on performance within specific habitats. Despite generality this approach, clear habitat use, morphology, have been established for few vertebrate groups. Furthermore, no has examined whether use may an reproductive output. This thesis examines relationships microhabitat output among scincid lizards from tropical north east Australia. My examination temporal activity size 21 skink species five assemblages (Alligator Creek, Cairns, Chillagoe, Cooktown Mt. Bartle Frere), revealed that separated along two gradients structural use: one ranged large rocks to leaf litter, a second closed habitats (high ground cover, undergrowth, proximity vegetation increased canopy cover) open (low all these characteristics). Species used microhabitats non-randomly, same ecotype (arboreal, generalist, litter-dwelling, rock-using) clustering multivariate ecological space. considerable niche overlap, null-model comparisons only assemblage (Chillagoe) had greater overlap than expected by chance. Assemblages more occupied smaller space, indicating packing, however, diverse niches were less evenly packed. Most overlapped time size, suggesting dominant axis decreasing competitive interactions, allowing coexistence skinks. Sexual 18 occupy range Phylogenetic analyses females rocky environments evolved longer limbs shorter abdomens compared those litter. In males, was evolution flatter, body. The evolutionary increase limb length decrease abdomen females, males. leaflitter males flatter generalist leaf-litter species, stockier males. Selection body flattening appears constrained, or weaker for males, presumably due antagonistic fecundity selection maximize space eggs. extreme male may assist locomotor performance, male-male contests refugia. tight positive correlation sprinting climbing ability, clinging ability. There trade-offs traits, such as observed studies arboreal lizards. Morphologically derived better at sprinting, clinging, which are sufficiently similar tasks observed. Although biomechanical models predict flatness enhance speed, there evidence flat assisted study. Similarly, long jumping but my study. Five conceptual lizard locomotion relating (limb length) using skink. Both similarities sexes Male female skinks both responded openness evolving sprint speeds. However, also faster speeds, ability habitats; enhanced likely beneficial traits. While direction, they robust non-significant females. Intersexual resulting natural improved function particular be eroded sexual (e.g., fecundity). Moreover, specialized dwelling poor traits examined, not relevant specialisation litter relaxed reliance crypsis. Body negatively abdominal volume, lower volumes. Abdominal volume strongly (RCM), Thus, shape determines imposing constraint clutch mass. RCM suggests changes adaptive functional role rock-crevices). can influence without affecting performance. shows group Lygosomine pathway mass shape, acting therefore, output. Structural provides separating diurnal northeast Australia. Morphological adaptation response three categories led convergence detected. and/or increases running speed cling lagging behind These appear result effects offset affects differently. Finally,