Condition- and context-dependent variation of sexual dimorphism across lizard populations at different spatial scales

Muraro, M; Sherpa, S; Barzaghi, B; Bombi, P; Borgatti, D; Di Canio, V; Dalpasso, A; Falaschi, M; Gambioli, B; Manenti, R; Marta, S; Momigliano, P; Nanni, V; Pardo, C; Parrino, EL; Scali, S; Storniolo, F; Vignoli, L; Zuffi, MAL; Sacchi, R; Salvi, D; Ficetola, GF

Journal article

Condition- and context-dependent variation of sexual dimorphism across lizard populations at different spatial scales

Abstract:: The evolution of sexual dimorphism (SD) is driven by intricate interplays between sexual and natural selection. When it comes to SD variation within populations, however, environmental factors play a major role. Sexually selected traits are expected to be strongly dependent on individual body condition, which is influenced by the local environment that individuals experience. As a consequence, the degree of SD may also depend on resource availability. Here, we investigated the potential drivers of SD expression at two sexually dimorphic morphometric traits, body size (snout vent length) and head shape (head geometric morphometrics), in the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus). We assessed the existence of condition- and context-dependent SD across ten islands of the Aeolian archipelago (southern Italy), at within- and among-population scales. We observed strong geographical variation of SD among islands, and tested three potential SD predictors related to resource availability (individual body condition, ecosystem productivity, temperature). Body condition and ecosystem productivity were the main drivers of body size SD variation, and body condition was also the main driver for head shape SD. Our results highlight that the expression of SD in the Italian wall lizard is both condition- and context-dependent. These results are congruent at within- and among-populations scales highlighting that spatial multi-scale analysis represents a useful approach to understand patterns of SD expression.

Publication status:: Published

Peer review status:: Peer reviewed

Actions

Email

Email this record

Send the bibliographic details of this record to your email address.

Your Email
Please enter the email address that the record information will be sent to.

-
Your message (optional)
Please add any additional information to be included within the email.
Share
Cite

Cite this record

APA Style

Muraro, M., Sherpa, S., Barzaghi, B., Bombi, P., Borgatti, D., Di Canio, V., Dalpasso, A., Falaschi, M., Gambioli, B., Manenti, R., Marta, S., Momigliano, P., Nanni, V., Pardo, C., Parrino, E. L., Scali, S., Storniolo, F., Vignoli, L., Zuffi, M. A. L., … Ficetola, G. F. (2022). Condition- and context-dependent variation of sexual dimorphism across lizard populations at different spatial scales. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 16969–16969.

MLA Style

Muraro, M, et al. “Condition- and Context-Dependent Variation of Sexual Dimorphism across Lizard Populations at Different Spatial Scales.” Scientific Reports, vol. 12, no. 1, 2022, pp. 16969–69.

Chicago Style

Muraro, M, S Sherpa, B Barzaghi, et al. 2022. “Condition- and Context-Dependent Variation of Sexual Dimorphism across Lizard Populations at Different Spatial Scales.” Scientific Reports 12 (1): 16969–69.
Print