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Side-blotched Lizards
on and off the lava

Picture
     Recently, studies of adaptive color variation have become popular as models for examining the genetics of natural selection. We examined color pattern polymorphism and genetic variation in a population of side-blotched lizards (Uta stansburiana) that is found in habitats with both dark (lava) and light colored (granite) substrates.

​      We conducted a limited experiment for adult phenotypic plasticity in laboratory conditions.
​We recorded both substrate and lizard color patterns in the field to determine whether lizards tended to match their substrate.
​
      Finally we examined genetic variation in a gene (melanocortin 1 receptor) that has been shown to affect lizard color in other species and in a presumably neutral gene (mitochondrial cytochrome b).

Picture
   


​      Populations were sampled in the immediate area of the lava flows as well as from a more distant site to examine the role of population structure. Our captive Uta did not change color to match their background.
​

​     We show that side-blotched lizards tend to match the substrate on which it was caught in the field and that variation in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene does not correlate well with color pattern in this population. 
      Perhaps the most remarkable result is that this population of side-blotched lizards shows extremely high levels of variation at both genetic markers, in the sense of allele numbers, with relatively low levels of between-allele sequence variation. Genetic variation across this small region was as great or greater than that seen in samples of pelagic fish species collected worldwide. Statistical analysis of genetic variation suggests rapid population expansion may be responsible for the high levels of variation
 Logo art by M. Riegner, design E. Parra © COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • RESEARCH
    • Fear Based Niche Shift
    • Antbirds Mimic Antshrikes
    • Deconstructing Fear
    • Neomorphus and mixed flocks
    • Hawk-eagle Hunting a Primate
    • Primate and Bird Communication
    • Alarm Eavesdropping by Sentinel Species
    • Population Genetics of U. stansburiana
  • Student Materials
    • Biology 102 >
      • Biology 102 Lecture >
        • Lecture Block 1
        • Lecture Block 2
        • Pop VS Primary
        • Reading Primary Lit
        • Lecture quizzes
        • Student Made Study Guides
      • Biology 102 Lab
    • Internships and Resources
  • Assistant Information
    • Field Site
    • Equipment
    • Vocalizations
    • Travel and Logistics
    • Protocols
  • Outreach
  • People
    • Seo >
      • CV and Publications
      • CONTACT
    • Micah
    • Kurt
    • Ari