Anolis gingivinus

Number of Pages: 8Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Sphaerodactylus sputator

Number of Pages: 7Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Aristelliger barbouri

Number of Pages: 1Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Thecadactylus, T. rapicauda

Number of Pages: 16Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Aristelliger

Number of Pages: 4Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Anolis garmani

Number of Pages: 3Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Aristelliger georgeensis

Number of Pages: 2Integrative BiologyGeological Science

Into the Light: Diurnality has Evolved Multiple Times in Geckos

Geckos are the only major lizard group consisting mostly of nocturnal species. Nocturnality is presumed to have evolved early in gecko evolution and geckos possess numerous adaptations to functioning in low light and at low temperatures. However, not all gecko species are nocturnal and most diurnal geckos have their own distinct adaptations to living in warmer, sunlit environments. We reconstructed the evolution of gecko activity patterns using a newly generated time-calibrated phylogeny. Our results provide the first phylogenetic analysis of temporal activity patterns in geckos and confirm an ancient origin of nocturnality at the root of the gecko tree. We identify multiple transitions to diurnality at a variety of evolutionary time scales and transitions back to nocturnality occur in several predominantly diurnal clades. The scenario presented here will be useful in reinterpreting existing hypotheses of how geckos have adapted to varying thermal and light environments. These results can also inform future research of gecko ecology, physiology, morphology and vision as it relates to changes in temporal activity patterns

Aristelliger praesignis

Number of Pages: 4Integrative BiologyGeological Science