Evolutionary implications of phenotypic plasticity in the hindlimb of the lizard Anolis sagrei

Species of Anolis lizards that use broad substrates have long legs, which p rovide enhanced maximal sprint speed, whereas species that use narrow surfa ces have short legs, which permit careful movements. We raised hatchling A. sagrei in terraria provided with only broad or only narrow surfaces. At th e end of the experiment, lizards in the broad treatment had relatively long er hindlimbs than lizards in the narrow treatment. These results indicate t hat not only is hindlimb length a plastic trait in these lizards, but that this plasticity leads to the production of phenotypes appropriate to partic ular environments. Comparison to hindlimb lengths of other Anolis species i ndicates that the range of plasticity is limited compared to the diversity shown throughout the anole radiation. Nonetheless, this plasticity potentia lly could have played an important role in the early stages of the Caribbea n anole radiation.