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<p>Selection via predation is a strong evolutionary force on small organisms, producing unique phenotypic adaptations. In cryptic species, different populations may exhibit color polymorphisms to better match multiple substrates or backgrounds. Here, we conducted a clay model study in the Ocala National Forest of Florida (USA) to test predation as a selective mechanism for color polymorphism in the Florida scrub lizard (<i>Sceloporus woodi</i>). Clay models were constructed to resemble light and dark morphs of <i>S. woodi</i> and placed on contrasting substrates in longleaf pine and Florida scrub stands. It is hypothesized Florida Scrub Jays (<i>Aphelocoma coerulescens</i>) are a key predator of <i>S. woodi</i>, so clay models were placed in scrub stands where <i>A. coerulescens</i> were present or absent. Evidence of avian predation detected on clay models was analyzed using a generalized linear model, which found that light clay models were attacked significantly more than dark models. Furthermore, the frequency of attacks on lizard clay models was significantly higher when their chromatic contrast against the substrate was lower. Apostatic selection of lizard models proposes bias through search imaging as dark morph <i>S. woodi</i> occur less frequently in Florida scrub where the majority of attacks occurred. Increased predation in <i>A. coerulescens</i>-present sites suggests that predator regime has a strong effect on the maintenance of adaptive coloration and that <i>A. coerulescens</i> may be a key predator of <i>S. woodi</i>.</p>

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Testing differential predation as a mechanism of color polymorphism in a cryptic Lizard

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年4月25日

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  • Justin Sanclemente,
  • Lance D. McBrayer

摘要

Selection via predation is a strong evolutionary force on small organisms, producing unique phenotypic adaptations. In cryptic species, different populations may exhibit color polymorphisms to better match multiple substrates or backgrounds. Here, we conducted a clay model study in the Ocala National Forest of Florida (USA) to test predation as a selective mechanism for color polymorphism in the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi). Clay models were constructed to resemble light and dark morphs of S. woodi and placed on contrasting substrates in longleaf pine and Florida scrub stands. It is hypothesized Florida Scrub Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) are a key predator of S. woodi, so clay models were placed in scrub stands where A. coerulescens were present or absent. Evidence of avian predation detected on clay models was analyzed using a generalized linear model, which found that light clay models were attacked significantly more than dark models. Furthermore, the frequency of attacks on lizard clay models was significantly higher when their chromatic contrast against the substrate was lower. Apostatic selection of lizard models proposes bias through search imaging as dark morph S. woodi occur less frequently in Florida scrub where the majority of attacks occurred. Increased predation in A. coerulescens-present sites suggests that predator regime has a strong effect on the maintenance of adaptive coloration and that A. coerulescens may be a key predator of S. woodi.