Robustness of newt heads in condition of co-existence: a case of the Carpathian newt and the alpine newt.

ABSTRACT: Co-existence between potentially competing newt species can lead to niche differentiation (e.g., in terms of diet shifts). This may cause adaptive responses involving changes in head shape. Here, we tested the hypothesis: the head shape of Lissotriton montandoni is different in conditions of co-occurrence with Ichthyosaura alpestris than in conditions in which other newt species are absent. We analysed images depicting head shape of specimens of I. alpestris and L. montandoni from a museum collection. All specimens of I. alpestris originated in a habitat where L. montandoni also occurred, whereas specimens of L. montandoni derived from populations that cohabited with I. alpestris and populations in which the presence of another newt s

SUBMITTER: Kaczmarski M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5653732 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature