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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Evolution Of Androgen Receptor Expression And Behavior In Anolis Lizard Forelimb Muscles, Michele A. Johnson, Bonnie K. Kircher, Diego J. Castro
The Evolution Of Androgen Receptor Expression And Behavior In Anolis Lizard Forelimb Muscles, Michele A. Johnson, Bonnie K. Kircher, Diego J. Castro
Biology Faculty Research
The motor systems that produce behavioral movements are among the primary targets for the action of steroid hormones, including androgens. Androgens such as testosterone bind to androgen receptors (AR) to induce physiological changes in the size, strength, and energetic capacity of skeletal muscles, which can directly influence the performance of behaviors in which those muscles are used. Because tissues differentially express AR, resulting in tissue-specific sensitivity to androgens, AR expression may be a major target of selection for the evolution of behavior. Anolis lizards (i.e., anoles) provide a robust system for the study of androgen-regulated traits, including the behavioral traits …
Sexual Dimorphisms In Habitat-Specific Morphology And Behavior In The Green Anole Lizard, A K. Dill, T J. Sanger, A C. Battles, Michele A. Johnson
Sexual Dimorphisms In Habitat-Specific Morphology And Behavior In The Green Anole Lizard, A K. Dill, T J. Sanger, A C. Battles, Michele A. Johnson
Biology Faculty Research
Species that occur in variable environments often exhibit morphological and behavioral traits that are specific to local habitats. Because the ability to move effectively is closely associated with structural habitat, locomotor traits may be particularly sensitive to fine-scale habitat differences. Anolis lizards provide an excellent opportunity to study the relationship between locomotion and natural perch use in the field, as laboratory studies have demonstrated that lizards that use broader perches develop longer limbs and have higher sprint speeds. We examined Anolis carolinensis (the green anole) in three habitats in close proximity. Our goals were to determine whether habitat-specific differences in …
Sexual Dimorphisms In Habitat-Specific Morphology And Behavior In The Green Anole Lizard, A K. Dill, T J. Sanger, Andrew C. Battles, Michele A. Johnson
Sexual Dimorphisms In Habitat-Specific Morphology And Behavior In The Green Anole Lizard, A K. Dill, T J. Sanger, Andrew C. Battles, Michele A. Johnson
Biology Faculty Research
Species that occur in variable environments often exhibit morphological and behavioral traits that are specific to local habitats. Because the ability to move effectively is closely associated with structural habitat, locomotor traits may be particularly sensitive to fine-scale habitat differences. Anolis lizards provide an excellent opportunity to study the relationship between locomotion and natural perch use in the field, as laboratory studies have demonstrated that lizards that use broader perches develop longer limbs and have higher sprint speeds. We examined Anolis carolinensis (the green anole) in three habitats in close proximity. Our goals were to determine whether habitat-specific differences in …
The Burden Of Motherhood: The Effect Of Reproductive Load On Female Lizard Locomotor, Foraging, And Social Behavior, Michele A. Johnson, J. L. Caton, R. E. Cohen, J. R. Vandecar, J. Wade
The Burden Of Motherhood: The Effect Of Reproductive Load On Female Lizard Locomotor, Foraging, And Social Behavior, Michele A. Johnson, J. L. Caton, R. E. Cohen, J. R. Vandecar, J. Wade
Biology Faculty Research
The costs of reproduction, involving demands associated with both current and future reproductive efforts, may place a substantial burden on females. However, animals may minimize these costs by modifying their behavior across the reproductive cycle. We examined the effects of reproductive load on three types of behavior (locomotion, foraging, and social displays) in green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) by comparing egg, follicle, and oviduct mass and volume with field observational data. We found that female locomotor and social display behaviors decreased as reproductive load increased, suggesting behavioral modification in these traits, but we detected no relationship between foraging and …