How Climate Affects Body and Clutch Size in Tropidurinae Lizards
Author Information
Author(s): Brandt Renata, Navas Carlos A.
Primary Institution: Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
How have body and clutch size responded to climate through time in Tropidurinae lizards, and how do these two variables relate to each other?
Conclusion
Larger species of Tropidurinae lizards produce more eggs, and while body size is influenced by precipitation, clutch size is not directly affected by climate.
Supporting Evidence
- Body size and clutch size are variable within Tropidurinae.
- Species that evolved larger body sizes produce more eggs.
- Clutch size is not influenced by temperature components.
- Precipitation relates to larger female body size.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the size of lizards and their egg clutches change with climate. It found that bigger lizards tend to have more eggs, and rain affects how big the lizards get.
Methodology
The study used both traditional and phylogenetic comparative methods to analyze body and clutch size data from preserved specimens and climatic data from historical databases.
Limitations
The study did not estimate primary production or food availability, which may influence the relationship between climate and lizard life history traits.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on 21 species of Tropidurinae lizards from various Brazilian habitats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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