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Forelimb anatomy of three anole lizards: Anolis equestris , A. frenatus, and A. biporcatus
Author(s) -
Robertson Joel,
Garns Ben,
Gilpin Shan,
Jordan Melissa,
Elkins Molly,
Kusumi Kenro,
Fisher Rebecca
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.865.12
Subject(s) - anolis , biology , anatomy , prehensile tail , sexual dimorphism , zoology , lizard
The genus Anolis is a model group for studying convergent evolution and adaptive radiations in vertebrates. Caribbean anoles have been classified into ecomorph categories, based on external morphology and position within the canopy, but less is known about mainland anoles. The goal of this study is to provide a detailed account of the forelimb in A. equestris , native to Cuba, and two mainland species, A. frenatus and A. biporcatus , and to analyze how these species compare to other anoles. For each species, external measurements were collected, muscles were dissected, photographed, and weighed and skeletal preparations were generated with Alizarin Red/Alcian Blue staining. External measurements indicate that A. equestris and A. frenatus are consistent with the Crown Giant ecomorph; whereas A. biporcatus is more consistent with Trunk‐Crown ecomorphs. Dissections and skeletal preparations revealed similarities with existing accounts of anole species ( A. sagrei and A. valencienni ). However, differences were noted for biceps and flexor digitorum longus pars ulnaris (FDLU). Biceps pars profundus was present in A. equestris , A. frenatus , and A. biporcatus , while FDLU featured an additional tendon (to digit 1) in all three species and an additional tendon to digit 5 in A. frenatus . The greater number of tendons in these species may enhance grasping ability and stability while climbing.