Sexual dimorphism, phenotypic integration, and the evolution of head structure in casque-headed lizards.

ABSTRACT: Sexes can differ in features associated with differential reproduction, which can be used during courtship or aggressive encounters. Some traits tend to evolve independently between sexes and emerge as sexually dimorphic within the organismal phenotype. We characterize such a relationship by estimating the phenotypic integration of the head morphology and modularity of the crest in the casque-headed lizards (Corytophanidae). In this clade, some species show extreme sexual dimorphism (e.g., head crests in the genus Basiliscus) while in others, both sexes are monomorphic. To characterize these patterns, we define phenotypic integration at the interspecific level as a pattern or network of traits evidenced by phylogenetically adjusted correlations that persist among species. At this le

SUBMITTER: Taylor GW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5689487 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature