Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree: Ecology and Adaptive Radiation of Anoles
TL;DR
Same six ecomorphs evolved independently on each island
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Definitive monograph on anole adaptive radiation. Documents how anoles on each Greater Antilles island independently evolved the same six 'ecomorphs' (trunk-ground, trunk-crown, twig, grass-bush, crown-giant, trunk specialists), demonstrating predictable radiation patterns.
Provides evidence that ecological niches constrain radiation to predictable outcomes - the same functional roles evolve independently on different islands, suggesting markets may have similar predictable 'niche structure.'
Key Findings from Losos (2009)
- Same six ecomorphs evolved independently on each island
- Predictable radiation patterns across islands
- Most diversification occurred early (early burst pattern)