DISSERTATION RESEARCH: The Evolution of Thermal Physiology Within the Anolis Adaptive Radiation

生态学的一个基本问题是理解大量相似的物种如何能够在同一个群落中共存。本项目将探讨热生理在促进多物种栖息地分配中的作用。研究对象是热带蜥蜴属的18种蜥蜴。一般来说，变色猫要么喜欢阴凉的地方，要么喜欢炎热的开阔的地方。据预测，在蜥蜴等冷血动物中，生活在寒冷地区的物种在低温下应具有较高的生理性能，而生活在温暖地区的物种在高温下应具有较高的生理性能。对这一预测的支持褒贬不一。这项研究将测量冲刺表现的温度依赖性，这是蜥蜴生存的重要生理特征。每个物种的蜥蜴将被收集并在多个温度下运行，并比较它们的温度依赖性生理性能。为了使物种共存，每个物种必须占据不同的生态位。然而，我们对促进生态位差异和物种共存的适应的理解还远远不够。这个项目试图理解这些适应，因为被研究的蜥蜴共同发生在复杂的生物群落中。此外，该项目将提供关键的信息，以制定成功的管理计划，在预测的全球变化条件下维持生物多样性。该项目还将为本科生提供一个积极参与研究过程的多个方面的机会。

A fundamental problem in ecology is to understand how a large number of similar species are able to coexist in the same community. This project will explore the role of thermal physiology in facilitating habitat partitioning by multiple species. The study organisms are 18 species of tropical lizard in the genus Anolis. As a generality, anoles tend to prefer either cool, shaded areas or hot, open areas. It is predicted that, in cold-blooded animals such as lizards, species that live in cool areas should have high physiological performance at low temperatures, whereas species that inhabit warm areas should have high physiological performance at high temperatures. Support for this prediction is mixed. This study will measure the temperature-dependence of sprint performance, a physiological trait important for lizard survival. Lizards of each species will be collected and run at multiple temperatures and their temperature-dependent physiological performances will be compared. In order for species to coexist, each species must occupy a different niche. However, our understanding of the adaptations that promote niche differences and thus species coexistence are far from complete. This project seeks to understand these adaptations, as the lizards being studied co-occur in complex biological communities. In addition, the project will provide critical information essential for developing successful management plans to maintain biological diversity under predicted conditions of global change. This project will also provide an opportunity for undergraduates to become actively involved on multiple aspects of the research process.