Trait differences among discrete morphs of a color polymorphic lizard, Podarcis erhardii

PeerJ

article

Kinsey M. Brock¹  Simon Baeckens³  Colin M. Donihue⁵  José Martín⁶  Panayiotis Pafilis⁷  Danielle L. Edwards¹ 

[1] Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of California;Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California;Laboratory of Functional Morphology, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp;Department of Biology, Macquarie University;Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis;Department of Evolutionary Ecology;Department of Zoology and Marine Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens;Zoological Museum, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

关键词: Color polymorphism;    Bite force;    Chemical signals;    Lizard;    Traits;    Podarcis erhardii;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.10284

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Color polymorphism defies evolutionary expectations as striking phenotypic variation is maintained within a single species. Color and other traits mediate social interactions, and stable polymorphism within a population is hypothesized to be related to correlational selection of other phenotypic traits among color morphs. Here, we report on a previously unknown throat color polymorphism in the Aegean Wall Lizard (Podarcis erhardii) and examine morph-correlated differences in traits important to social behavior and communication: maximum bite force capacity and chemical signal profile. We find that both sexes of P. erhardii have three color morphs: orange, yellow, and white. Moreover, orange males are significantly larger and tend to bite harder than yellow and white males. Although the established color polymorphism only partially matches the observed intraspecific variation in chemical signal signatures, the chemical profile of the secretions of orange males is significantly divergent from that of white males. Our findings suggest that morph colors are related to differences in traits that are crucial for social interactions and competitive ability, illustrating the need to look beyond color when studying polymorphism evolution.

【 授权许可】

CC BY