Evolution: Anoles display “ecomorphs” or convergent evolution where several species that are not directly related to one another will adapt similar characteristics due to living in similar environments or micro-habitats. Many species such as the Allison’s anole that occupy the upper part of tree trunks and the lower canopy tend to be green in colour to camouflage, larger bodied compared to many terrestrial species and have shorter, stout legs as jumping is not necessary when climbing vertical tree trunks. Other species, such as those on the ground tend to be smaller, brown in colour to camouflage with the leaf litter and have longer legs to help run away from potential predators. Others such as the thin grass and bush species have a long tail for balance and long slender legs for speed and to camouflage in the blades of grass. These anoles tend to be light brown to orange and yellow in colour as this helps them hide in grasses and low branches of bushes and shrubs.
Sources:
Poe, Steven, and Christopher G. Anderson. "The Existence and Evolution of Morphotypes in Anolis Lizards: Coexistence Patterns, not Adaptive Radiations, Distinguish Mainland and Island Faunas." Research Gate, Jan. 2019, www.researchgate.net/publication/330115591_The_existence_and_evolution_of_morphotypes_in_Anolis_lizards_Coexistence_patterns_not_adaptive_radiations_distinguish_mainland_and_island_faunas. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022. Williams, Ernest E. "The Origin of Faunas. Evolution of Lizard Congeners in a Complex Island Fauna: A Trial Analysis." Anole Annals, Museum of Comparative Zoology, 1972, www.anoleannals.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/williams-1972.pdf. Accessed 19 Aug. 2022. |