Data for: First evidence of yearly allochrony in a terrestrial vertebrate: A case study of an annual chameleon
Data files
May 13, 2025 version files 100.18 KB
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MARK_Output.zip
22.26 KB
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README.md
1.23 KB
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SurveyData_Aged.csv
76.70 KB
Abstract
Isolation through differences in reproductive timing, known as allochrony, is a unique life history trait that can lead to the separation of a population into two distinct populations. Yearly allochrony, where reproductive events are separated between years, is extremely rare and has been documented less than ten times. It requires a single reproductive event at a fixed age and a life cycle of two years or more. Among terrestrial vertebrates, documented examples of yearly allochrony are non-existent. Our study reveals that Chamaeleo chamaeleon musae possesses the potential for allochronic separation. These chameleons reproduce one year after hatching, with only 0.2% of the population surviving to a second reproductive season. Their eggs require 11 months to hatch. This combination of factors results in two distinct subpopulations: one that incubates eggs during even years while adults reproduce in odd years, and another that follows the reverse pattern. This separation prevents intermixing between the two subpopulations. Chamaeleo chamaeleon musae is currently the only known terrestrial vertebrate exhibiting yearly allochrony. Population and evolutionary ecologists must consider yearly allochrony when studying animal life cycles, given its significant implications for speciation, species conservation, and monitoring programs.
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.v9s4mw758
Description of the data and file structure
Files and variables
File: MARK_Output.zip
Description: All MARK output files used in the analysis.
File: SurveyData.csv
Description: This file contains raw survey data from Chameleon surveys.
Variables
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sessions: survey session
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Julian C: days since last November (Julian date)
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Mass: grams (g)
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Head length: millimeters (mm)
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Tail: length, millimeters (mm)
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SV: snout-vent length, millimeters (mm)
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sex: M/F
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Finger new: individual chameleon ID
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floor age group: age group (g0 = <1 year, g1 = 1–2 years, g2 = 2–3 years)
The NA values in the data set represent data that were not measured, due to one of the following reasons: (1) technical limitations during data collection; (2) the variable was added to the protocol at a later stage (e.g., Head length); or (3) the individual was already sampled in the same month and was not measured again to avoid disturbance.
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Code/software
Required software: Microsoft Excel, R