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2002OlssonetalEvolutionsexualdimorphism_insnow_skinks.pdf (84.32 kB)

Sexual dimorphism in lizard body shape: The role of sexual selection and fecundity selection

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posted on 2023-05-16, 16:09 authored by Olsson, M, Shine, R, Erik WapstraErik Wapstra, Ujvari, B, Madsen, T
Sexual dimorphism is widespread in lizards, with the most consistently dimorphic traits being head size (males have larger heads) and trunk length (the distance between the front and hind legs is greater in females). These dimorphisms have generally been interpreted as follows: (1) large heads in males evolve through male-male rivalry (sexual selection); and (2) larger interlimb lengths in females provide space for more eggs (fecundity selection). In an Australian lizard (the snow skink, Niveoscincus microlepidotus), we found no evidence for ongoing selection on head size. Trunk length, however, was under positive fecundity selection in females and under negative sexual selection in males. Thus, fecundity selection and sexual selection work in concert to drive the evolution of sexual dimorphism in trunk length in snow skinks.

History

Publication title

Evolution

Volume

56

Issue

7

Pagination

1538-1542

ISSN

0014-3820

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Soc Study Evolution

Place of publication

USA

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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