Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
8-2015
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Source Publication
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
Source ISSN
0024-4066
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Gamble, Tony; Greenbaum, E.; Jackman, Todd R.; and Bauer, Aaron M., "Into the Light: Diurnality has Evolved Multiple Times in Geckos" (2015). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 751.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/751
Comments
Accepted version. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Vol. 115, No. 4 (August 2015) : 896-910. DOI. © 2015 Oxford University Press. Used with permission.
Tony Gamble was affiliated with University of Minnesota, Minneapolis at the time of publication.