Intrapopulation variation in predator-avoidance performance of Galápagos lava lizards: The interaction of sexual and natural selection

Abstract

The interaction of sexual and natural selection in shaping variation in defensive behavior was explored via three steps. (1) Three predictions from the hypothesis that varying responses to predation account for intrapopulation variation in locomotory performance and wariness were tested. One measure of locomotory performance and two measures of wariness were compared between lava lizards (Tropidurus albemarlensis) inhabiting sparsely (1% cover) and heavily (33% cover) vegetated areas of Isla Plaza Sur in the Galapagos Archipelago. (2) Variation in morphology was examined to identify proximate mechanisms for differences seen in (1). (3) Levels of predation were compared between males and females to test a prediction from a model explaining the observed variation in defensive behavior. Male, but not female, lizards from sparsely vegetated areas were faster than those from heavily vegetated areas. Both male and female lizards from sparsely vegetated areas were significantly warier than those from heavily vegetated areas. Multiple regression, covariance, and residual analyses identify relatively longer hindlimbs of males as the proximate cause of their greater speed over that of females, rather than differences in body size, but neither body nor hindlimb size account for the microgeographic differences in speed of males. Significantly higher predation on males provided a positive test of the major prediction from our model of selective forces in which sexual selection for territory defense by males favors short approach distances (by minimizing time away from the territory caused by erroneous flight) and leads to natural selection for their increased hindlimb size and speed.