Data from: Phenotypic integration between claw and toepad traits promotes microhabitat specialization in the Anolis adaptive radiation
Data files
Dec 03, 2018 version files 1.10 MB
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Anolis_claw_individual_data.txt
36.80 KB
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Anolis_claw_species_data.txt
7.25 KB
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claws_landmarks.TPS
571.82 KB
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claws_semi.NTS
536 B
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toe_sliders.NTS
456 B
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toes_final.TPS
483.54 KB
Abstract
The performance of an organism in its environment frequently depends more on its composite phenotype than on individual phenotypic traits. Thus, understanding environmental adaptation requires investigating patterns of covariation across functionally-related traits. The replicated adaptive radiations of Greater Antillean Anolis lizards are characterized by ecological and morphological convergence, thus providing an opportunity to examine the role of multiple phenotypes in microhabitat adaptation. Here, we examine integrated claw and toepad morphological evolution in relation to habitat partitioning across the adaptive radiations of Greater Antillean anoles. Based on analysis of 428 specimens from 57 species, we found that different aspects of claw morphology were associated with different perch dimensions, with claw height positively associated with perch diameter and claw curvature positively associated with perch height. Patterns of integration also varied across claw and toepad traits, likely driven by correlative selection for performance on smoother and rougher substrates. Finally, rates of evolution differed between claw and toepad traits, with claw length evolving faster than all other traits despite having no predicted functional importance. Our results highlight the multivariate nature of phenotypic adaptation and suggest that phenotypic integration across Greater Antillean anoles is driven by fine-scale correlative selection based on structural habitat specialization.