Asymmetric interspecific competition drives shifts in signalling traits in fan-throated lizards.

ABSTRACT: Interspecific competition can occur when species are unable to distinguish between conspecific and heterospecific mates or competitors when they occur in sympatry. Selection in response to interspecific competition can lead to shifts in signalling traits-a process called agonistic character displacement. In two fan-throated lizard species-Sitana laticeps and Sarada darwini-females are morphologically indistinguishable and male agonistic signalling behaviour is similar. Consequently, in areas where these species overlap, males engage in interspecific aggressive interactions. To test whether interspecific male aggression between Si. laticeps and Sa. darwini results in agonistic character displacement, we quantified species recognition and signalling behaviour usin

SUBMITTER: Zambre AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7739922 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature