Long-term evolutionary persistence of a cryptic color polymorphism in frogs.

ABSTRACT: Color polymorphism can influence the evolutionary fate of cryptic species because it increases populations' chances of survival in heterogenous or variable environments. Yet, little is known about the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms underlying the persistence of cryptic color polymorphisms, or the impact these polymorphisms have on the macroevolutionary dynamics of lineages. Here, we examine the evolutionary history of the most widespread cryptic color polymorphism in anurans, involving green and brown morphs. Using an order-scale comparative analysis, we show that these morphs can coexist within species over long evolutionary periods and that polymorphic lineages switch habitat more frequently and have greater diversification rates than other groups. We then identify the locus respo

SUBMITTER: Goutte S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12452913 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature