Size and shape variation in a Lesser Antillean anole, Anolis oculatus (Sauria: Iguanidae) in relation to habitat.

Abstract

The anole fauna of the Lesser Antilles is depauperate in relation to that of the Greater Antilles, where complex communities characterized by adaptive specialization and convergent structure are present. Much of this adaptation is the result of changes in body size and shape, probably as a result of interspecific competition. Here we present data on variation in size and shape within a solitary Lesser Antillean species occupying an ecologically heterogenous island, and test the hypothesis that natural selection for varying environmental conditions is the cause of this variation. Univariate (analysis of variance), bivariate (analysis of covariance) and multivariate (multiple-group principal component analysis, canonical variate analysis) analysis showed that there is considerable geographic variation in size and shape within Anolis oculatus on Dominica. Partial Mantel tests rejected the null hypothesis of no association between size and shape and environmental variation. The possible proximate and evolutionary mechanisms responsible for these patterns are discussed. Despite these overall associations, a considerable amount of variation in shape appears to be unrelated to environmental variation.