Convergent evolution of skin surface microarchitecture and increased skin hydrophobicity in semi-aquatic anole lizards.

ABSTRACT: Animals that habitually cross the boundary between water and land face specific challenges with respect to locomotion, respiration, insulation, fouling and waterproofing. Many semi-aquatic invertebrates and plants have developed complex surface microstructures with water-repellent properties to overcome these problems, but equivalent adaptations of the skin have not been reported for vertebrates that encounter similar environmental challenges. Here, we document the first evidence of evolutionary convergence of hydrophobic structured skin in a group of semi-aquatic tetrapods. We show that the skin surface of semi-aquatic species of Anolis lizards is characterized by a more elaborate microstructural architecture (i.e. longer spines and spinules) and a lower wettability relative to closely re

SUBMITTER: Baeckens S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8541734 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature