Author: Jonathan Losos Page 64 of 133

Professor of Biology and Director of the Living Earth Collaborative at Washington University in Saint Louis. I've spent my entire professional career studying anoles and have discovered that the more I learn about anoles, the more I realize I don't know.

Brown/Grey phase Anolis cuvieri, just awakened from a nap. Photo by Alejandro Sanchez.

Most arboreal anoles are green, and for a good reason: it’s hard to pick out a green lizard amidst green vegetation. Yet, some species are more subdued in their coloration, with browns or grays–e.g., Anolis luteogularis from Cuba or Anolis microtus from Costa Rica.

An interesting twist is provided by Cuvier’s anole, the crown-giant of Puerto Rico, in which a polymorphism exists in which most lizards are green, but some are brown-grey. We were reminded of this situation by Alejandro Sanchez, who sent the photo displayed above with the comment that it had been a long time since he’d seen one of these morphs. Contrast that with his spectacular photo of the more common green morph below.

Green Anolis cuvieri. Photo by Alejandro Sanchez.

Rivero in his epic Los Anfibios y Reptiles de Puerto Rico notes the polymorphism, but does not provide any explanation or discussion, and I am unaware of any other literature on this subject. Puerto Rican readers out there: what else do we know? Are they definitely different morphs? Someone once whispered in my ear he had seen brown ones turn green, but the only publication of which I’m aware to discuss this phenomenon, Rand and Andrews (1975), says they don’t. But that was based on a very small sample size. Does the gray/brown morph occur throughout the island? Any idea what it’s all about? Any difference in habitat use? As far as I’m aware, the adaptive significance of this polymorphism has never been studied.

The Role Of Genes And Diet In Determining Dewlap Color

By Jonathan Losos

On December 13, 2013

In New Research

Results of mating trials in Ng et al.’s study. Top two rows are within-population crosses; bottom two are between crosses from different populations that differed in dewlap color. Note that in the top, individuals look like their fathers, whether at the bottom, dewlap colors are intermediate between that of the two populations.

Everybody loves a pretty dewlap, and recent years have seen a lot of interest in studying the factors that determine dewlap color, as well as the role dewlap color may play in species recognition, sexual selection and other processes. Many have suggested that the dewlap is a focus of sexual selection; some have even opined that it is an honest signal of something, maybe good genetic quality, maybe the ability to procure lots of color-inducing dietary items. Unfortunately, we know almost nothing about the genetic basis of dewlap color, nor about the effect of environmental variation.

Anolis distichus exhibits more variation in dewlap color and pattern than any other anole, and thus is the perfect choice for such a study. Julienne Ng just completed her doctoral research at U. Rochester on this species, documenting that variation in dewlap color correlates with environment among populations. Now she and colleagues report on laboratory studies to assess the extent to which variation is determined by genes vs. diet.

Why diet? Because reds and oranges are likely determined by carotenoids, which vertebrates cannot synthesize. Thus, it is plausible that the amount of carotenoids ingested by a lizard may correlate with its color. This hypothesis has only been tested once before, in a study on A. sagrei by Steffen, who failed to find evidence for a diet effect on the red-orange dewlap of this species.

This study had two components. First, to study genetics, lizards from two populations–one with an orange dewlap, the other with a plain whitish dewlap–were crossed in the laboratory. Second, lizards were fed lots of carotenoids.

The results: strong evidence for a genetic basis for variation in dewlap color. Purebred individuals looked like their fathers (top two rows in figure above), but crosses were intermediate in color (bottom two). Pretty strong evidence for a genetic basis for the trait. And the effect of diet? Not so much. No difference in color between lizards in the carotenoid supplementation treatment vs. the control lizards.

The bottom line is that, at least in this species, genes control variation in dewlap color. Combined with Steffen’s study, there are now two negative results for a role of diet. Of course, work on other species is necessary to confirm the generality of these results, as well as additional investigation into the exact genes responsible for dewlap color.

Last Chance to Help the Anole Love Song Get Produced

By Jonathan Losos

On December 12, 2013

In All Posts

A message from Monty Harper, the genius behind Anole in Love:

We are down to our last day and a half.

We are 44% funded. We need $5,600 more in pledges to make this CD happen.

That sounds like a lot. But consider…

Kickstarter says the average pledge amount is $70. If each of us – there are 80 backers right now! – if each of us was to bring in just one additional backer today, that could mean $5,600 in additional pledges, which is exactly what we need!

Even if Kickstarter’s average is a bit high for this project, 80 additional backers today would put us within sight of the goal, and would make tomorrow a very exciting day!

So your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring in at least one additional backer today.

What tools have you with which to accomplish this Herculean task, you ask?

Facebook, Twitter, Google+, email lists – these are great, but…

A personal email, a text, a phone call, a (gasp) face-to-face conversation! – these are very effective for engaging one person. Who do you know that would really appreciate great kid-friendly science music? A parent, an educator, a librarian, a scientist?

Here are some general talking points –

Any pledge of $5 or more gets you an immediate download of 12 science songs
The new songs are all written and waiting to be recorded
These songs are inspired by conversations with scientists – they are unique in their focus on the scientific process
The funding is necessary for hiring musicians and studio time, paying for design and duplication
Public libraries are using science as a theme this summer – here is a chance to get some really good material into the hands of people motivated to use it with kids
If we don’t reach the funding goal, the CD will be put on hold, and who knows when or if it will ever get made?

Match a song to the person – who do you know that would be excited about one of these song topics?

“Vaccination!” – a pro-vaccination anthem!
“Anole in Love” and “My One and Only Vole” – science themed love songs!
“Left Brain” and “This Is Your Brain on Music” – brain science!
“Quarks and Electrons” – particle physics, the nature of the universe!
“Citizen Scientist” – citizen science is huge right now!
“Photosynthesis,” “Green Footprint,” and “Rustbusters” – alternative energy!
“Psychology” and “Popular” – psychology!
“What Goes On?” – ecology!
“Predators, Prey, and the Games They Play” – evolution!
“Fizz Boom Read” – a theme song for 2014 summer reading!

Most of these songs are up on YouTube now:

One other tool I can give you is – images to share on social media. You can look for these on my facebook feed, or download and post them yourself:

Just click to get the full-sized image.

A Beatlesque Song about Lizards in Love

By Jonathan Losos

On December 10, 2013

In Anole Art, Literature, and Humor

You must click on this link and listen to the song (click the red circle in the upper left corner of the page). Then come back here and read the rest.

Anole In Love – The song the Beatles would have written if they were green anoles! This lovely ballad is the work of Monty Harper, who writes: “I write songs that convey what I find awesome about science: the questions, the methods, the passion, dedication, and creativity of the people who do it. My inspiration comes from speaking directly with scientists about their latest research projects.”

This has Top 40 written all over it, all it needs to do is get produced. Help make it happen by going to Monty’s Kickstarter page and making a donation. But, hurry–the deadline is Friday.

New Paper on the Little Known Large Mexican Anolis macrinii

By Jonathan Losos

On December 9, 2013

In New Research

Almost nothing is known about Anolis macrinii, which is a little surprising because it is rather large (nearly 100 mm snout-vent length) and apparently locally moderately abundant. However, it’s small, localized range in Oaxaca, Mexico is no doubt the explanation. In any case, now a bit more is known, thanks to a recent paper by Gunther Köhler and colleagues in Breviora (freely available on the MCZ publications website).

The paper includes a detailed morphological description of the species, as well as notes on natural history and conservation status. Most interesting to me is the sexual dimorphism in dewlap size (males on top above, females below), which we have discussed in previous posts, and the aberrant patterning of one juvenile individual (right).

Here’s the abstract:

During three short visits to the coffee-growing region in the hills north of Pochutla (Oaxaca, Mexico), we observed Anolis macrinii in its natural habitat. The species appeared to be relatively abundant, and we collected 12 individuals, including several adult males. The holotype of this species was reported erroneously to be an adult male but actually is a female. The confusion might have arisen from the moderate-sized dewlap present in adult females. However, males have a very large dewlap and a pair of moderately to greatly enlarged postcloacal scales. We provide color descriptions in life for three individuals, color photographs in life, description and illustration of hemipenis morphology, and some natural history notes. Finally, we discuss the conservation status of this species.

60% Off Anole Calendars Until 2 PM Eastern Time

By Jonathan Losos

On November 29, 2013

In All Posts

Editor’s Note: The sale has been extended until midnite Saturday night!

If you’re going to buy a Anoles 2014 calendar, do it now. Zazzle.com is having a Black Friday sale, and calendars are 60% off until 2 pm Eastern time. Order your calendars here with code BLKFRIZAZZLE.

2014 Anole Calendar Now On Sale; 20% Off Today

By Jonathan Losos

On November 28, 2013

In All Posts

Book-ended by this year’s photo contest winners, the 2014 anole calendar features 13 spectacular anole photographs selected by you, Anole Annals’ readers. Unlike previous year’s calendars, this year’s edition has a heavy South American influence thanks to photographs by Lucas Bustamante and Diana Troya. In addition to the two contest winning snaps of A. chrysolepis and A. gemmosus, other pin-ups include A. princeps, A. proboscis, and A. biporcatus. That’s not to say that some of our favorite Caribbean species don’t also make an appearance. Hispaniola is particularly highlighted, thanks to several photos by Cristian Marte, including stunning shots of A. bahorucoensis and A. coelestinus. in addition, there’s a lovely silhouette of A. sagrei displaying and an intriguing vignette of a tree boa and a sleeping A. aeneus. Check them all out at zazzle.com, where the calendars are now on sale. Til midnite tonight, you can get 20% with the discount code “TDAYPOSTSALE.”

Editor’s Note, Monday, Dec. 2: 60% off until 1 pm Eastern time today, code : ZAZZLEMONDAY

Ecuadorian Sweep of 2013 Anole Annals Photo Contest

By Jonathan Losos

On November 25, 2013

In Anole Photographs

Goldenscale Anole (Anolis chrysolepis) small

It’s over, it’s all over! After more than 50 fabulous submissions, 600 votes, and detailed review of the finalists by an all-star team of anole photography experts, Anole Annals is pleased to unveil this year’s winners. Last year’s theme was blue anoles, this year’s: Ecuador!

The Grand Prize winner (above) is a lovely photo of Anolis chrysolepis taken in Amazonian Ecuador by Lucas Bustamante (check out Lucas’ photography on the Tropical Herping website or in his new book on the herpetofauna of Mindo, Ecuador). Lucas reports that the photo was taken in Yachana Lodge, an ecotourism lodge located on the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Says Lucas: “I was walking in the morning to the viewpoint and I found this male Goldenscale Anole (Anolis chrysolepis) making a display. I took my camera as soon as possible but I couldn’t photograph it “red-handed.” However, he maintained an elegant posture and I was happy with the picture. This anole lives in low vegetation and litter. Males, females and juveniles are very territorial.”

Second prize goes to Diana Troya for her fabulous photo (below) of two Anolis gemmosus males displaying to each other, tongues out, bodies raised and compressed. What a gorgeous dewlap, especially when backlit! Diana’s reports that the photo was taken “in the Natural Reserve Rio Guajalito in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas-Ecuador. I was a field assistant of Andrea Narvaez, who is doing her doctoral thesis on the ecology of Anolis and as part of her project we had to film the display of Anolis species.”

Congratulations to both winners!

Anolis gemmosus. Photo by Diana Troya.

New Education Films On Evolution Featuring Finches, Anoles And Darwin Released By Howard Hughes Medical Institute

By Jonathan Losos

On November 19, 2013

In Education and Anoles

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is one of the wealthiest private foundations supporting scientific research in the world, with annual payouts exceeding $800 million. One branch of HHMI focuses on science education activities and is headed by renowned evolutionary developmental biologist Sean Carroll. Starting several years ago, HHMI has produced a series of short films on evolution, each focusing on a topic and usually focusing on a particular case study. Previous films in the “Making of the Fittest” series have centered on lava mice, sticklebacks, icefish and humans. Yesterday, HHMI announced the release of a new series, “The Origin of Species,” featuring films on Darwin and Wallace (a historical dramatization that marks a break from the approach of previous films), Darwin’s finches and…anoles! The films are short, approximately 15 minutes for birds and lizards, 30 for the big men. The HHMI press release explains more and provides short video clips, and the films themselves can be watched here:

The Origin of Species: The Making of a Theory

Video Clip

The Origin of Species: The Beak of the Finch

Video Clip

The Origin of Species: Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree

Video Clip

The press release notes that the films are only part of the educational initiative, complemented by a variety of teaching tools:

“HHMI’s Educational Resources Group has developed an extensive set of teaching materials that will help teachers use the films. All the resources are freely available on the BioInteractive.org website. “The films’ contents are built upon through additional classroom discussion, activities, and further study. To maximize classroom impact, it is crucial to provide teachers with various supplements and media to support the use of the films in addressing key topics in the curriculum,” said Carroll. Carroll notes that to date, several million students have viewed previously released films and well over one-half million teacher supplements have been distributed or downloaded.”

Stay tuned for the release of materials for these films, which currently are in production and should be ready by early next year. More generally, the films are readily downloadable from the HHMI website and are distributed as DVDs.

New York Times Covers Lizard Smarts

By Jonathan Losos

On November 18, 2013

In Anoles and Anolologists in the News

From the New York Times, November, 19th

Who’s hands are those in the Times?

Research that is revealing the surprising cognitive abilities of reptiles is featured in the Science Times in tomorrow’s (Nov. 19) New York Times. And not surprising to AA readers, the work of Manuel Leal on the problem-solving ability of Anolis evermanni is prominently reviewed, a topic we have discussed several times in these pages [1,2]. The article contains a nice discussion of Leal’s work, as well as several photographs and a brief appearance (of lizard, not Leal) in the accompanying video (fast forward to the 2:20 mark).

The article also discusses research on tortoises showing they can work their way through mazes, using several different approaches, to find food, and on monitor lizards that can figure out how to open a door on a tube to access mice within.