Dissertation Research: Adaptive Radiation of Greater Antillean Anolis

9423473虽然有许多关于适应性辐射的研究，将一个物种的特征与另一个物种的特征进行比较，但到目前为止，还没有关于男性与女性专门化在生物多样性产生中的作用的调查。雄性和雌性在生态上的重要方面往往非常不同，例如在身体大小、行为、饮食或栖息地方面的极端差异。为了理解多样性和对维持多样性很重要的环境变量，重要的是考虑性别之间以及物种之间的专门化。准确了解自然界多样性的数量和模式对保护工作越来越重要。在资源有限的情况下，管理决策不仅必须得到充分的信息，而且必须利用现有的资金和土地获得最大的效率。该项目将确定这种专业化在多大程度上有助于阿诺利斯自适应辐射的多样性。将比较15种Anolis在饮食、行为、身体设计和栖息地使用方面的差异。数据将通过行为观察、栖息地调查和胃内容物检查来收集。阿诺利斯的辐射在两个岛屿上独立发生，这为统计分析提供了更大的动力。此外，物种之间的关系也被很好地理解。

9423473 LOSOS While there have many studies of adaptive radiations, comparing the characteristics of one species to another, to date there has never been an investigation of the role of male vs. female specialization in the generation of biological diversity. Males and females are often very different in ecologically important ways, such as extreme differences in body size, behavior, diets, or habitat. To understand diversity and the environmental variables important to its maintenance, it is important to consider specializations between sexes as well as between species. Accurately understanding the amount and patterns of diversity in the natural world is becoming increasingly critical for conservation efforts. With limited resources, management decisions must not only be well informed but also gain the most efficiency with the funds and lands available. This project will determine to what extent such specializations contribute to diversity within the adaptive radiation of Anolis. Differences in diet, behavior, body design, and habitat use will be compared in fifteen species of Anolis. Data will be collected by behavioral observations, habitat censuses, and examination od stomach contents. The radiations of Anolis have occurred independently on two islands, which provides enhanced power to statistical analyses. In addition, the relationships among the species are well-understood.