Repeated evolution of viviparity in phrynosomatid lizards constrained interspecific diversification in some life-history traits

J. Jaime Zúñiga-Vega, Jesualdo A. Fuentes-G, Alison G. Ossip-Drahos, Emília P. Martins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

In vertebrates, viviparity has evolved independently multiple times, apparently increasing morphological diversification and speciation rates as a consequence. We tested whether the evolution of viviparity has also increased diversification of life-history traits by estimating evolutionary rates of lizards from the North American family Phrynosomatidae. Using modern phylogenetic comparative methods, we compared these rates between oviparous and viviparous species, and found no support for this hypothesis. Instead, we found higher evolutionary rates for oviparous species in some life-history traits. Our results suggest that the evolution of viviparity may have constrained rather than facilitated evolution of life histories.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalBiology letters
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Phrynosomatidae
  • evolutionary rates
  • life histories
  • oviparity
  • viviparity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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