Within a few years, the lizards began to thrive. Anolis cristatellus moved further up the trees and Anolis sagrei adapted to a terrestrial lifestyle. The latter developed longer legs, which helped them move faster and survive better on land. The researchers confirmed that these traits are not found in monospecific environments, demonstrating how competition drives adaptation.
The study adds to evidence that evolution responds to environmental pressures, including human activities. Similar changes in response to “new challenges” have been observed in other species, such as geckos, swallows, and frogs.
Source: Ferra
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