Locomotor performance and social dominance in male Anolis cristatellus

摘要: The proximal mechanisms determining social dominance are not well understood. We used the highly territorial lizard A. cristatellus to test two main hypotheses: (1) that male is associated with locomotor abilities; (2) abilities (maximal performance), as measured in laboratory, correlated behaviour field. In field, we recorded behaviours and assertion displays, then characterized microhabitat use thermal relations. maximum sprint running speed, endurance morphometric characters, assessed by pairing males of similar body size an experimental arena. 72 77 interactions, one (the ‘winner’) was unequivocally determined be dominant over other ‘loser’). Winners performed more displays than losers before capture also had higher laboratory tests. Although contestants were matched for snout–vent length, winners significantly deeper wider heads. However, found no significant differences field behaviours, perch or characteristics, head maximal speed. Our findings support those previous studies, extend them several ways. This first demonstration related both performance laboratory-assessed dominance. Locomotor may directly affect allowing some perform better dyadic interactions. Alternatively, linked a common underlying mechanism, such variation hormone levels, which known aggression, morphology.