Reference no: EM132406391 , Length: word count:500

Assignment -

Watch Video "The Phylogenetic Tree of Anole Lizards" and answer the following questions based on the video.

1) Explain how the various adaptations seen in the anole lizards allow them to live in a variety of niches in their island habitat. Use two examples of specific adaptations discussed in the video lizards and how it allows the lizards to coexist in the same habitat.

2) Anolis cristatellus and A. cooki are both trunk-ground anoles that live on Puerto Rico. A. cristatellus lives in a shady, forest environment, while A. cooki lives in an open, sunny environment.

a. What is an adaptive explanation for why the dewlap of one species evolved to be brighter and that of another species darker?

b. How might this lead to reproductive isolation? (Hint: The answer is in the video).

3) To minimize interspecific competition, organisms often divide the limited available resources in an area, a concept called "resource partitioning." Explain how resource partitioning can promote long-term coexistence of competing species, thus increasing biodiversity.

4) Provide one reason why a phylogenetic tree based on DNA sequencing data for the anole lizards might provide a more accurate representation of evolutionary relatedness of the lizards than looking at their morphology?

Attachment:- Assignment File.rar