Anolis cristatellus and A. cooki are both trunk-ground anoles that live on Puerto Rico. A. cristatellus lives in a shady, forest environment, while A. cooki lives in an open, sunny environment. What is an adaptive explanation for why the dewlap of one species evolved to be brighter and that of another species darker?

Question

Julian Spears

Biology

16 September, 12:09

Anolis cristatellus and A. cooki are both trunk-ground anoles that live on Puerto Rico. A. cristatellus lives in a shady, forest environment, while A. cooki lives in an open, sunny environment. What is an adaptive explanation for why the dewlap of one species evolved to be brighter and that of another species darker?

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Kendra Daniel · Answer 1

The answer is for reproductive reasons.

Explanation:

The anolis cristatellus has a brighter dewlap and the anolis cristatellus has a darker dewlap. Their dewlap contrasts the brightness of their environment, most likely because it stands out more and attracts more female anoles.