Evolutionary genomics of Anolis
The anoles are a diverse group of lizards found in Central and South America, the southern US, and throughout the Caribbean. Among them is a particular group of species in the genus Anolis that have undergone adaptive radiation with repeated evolution of specific ecological adaptations, known as ecomorphs. These ecomorphs are found on the four largest islands of the Caribbean (Cuba, Hispanola, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica), where they appear to have independently evolved despite their phenotypic similarity.
These anoles give us an opportunity to test several questions about evolution and diversification. First, are convergent phenotypes (ecomorphs) underlain by convergent genotypes (similar genetic changes)? Secondly, do ecomorphs respond similarly to selective pressures across environmental gradients on the different islands, or are these responses more phylogenetically predicted? Finally, what genes are linked to the traits of particular ecomorphs, and can we predict how they may respond to environmental changes from this?