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The Origin of Species: Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree

Topic
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Evolution
  • Natural Selection
  • Speciation
  • Phylogeny
Resource Type
  • Videos
  • Short Films
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege
Duration
00:17:45
Used In
2 BioInteractive Playlists
Favorited By
30 Users
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View in Spanish
Description

This film explores the adaptation of anole lizards (genus Anolis) to habitats common across the islands of the Caribbean. The anoles are excellent examples of adaptive radiation, convergent evolution, and speciation through reproductive isolation.

Working in the islands of the Caribbean, biologist Jonathan Losos discovered traits that enable dozens of anole species to live in different vertical niches in the forest. Differences in limb length, body shape, and toepad size reflect adaptations to life on the ground, on thin branches, or high in the canopy. Remarkably, similar combinations of these traits have evolved independently on different islands, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution. The film also describes how new species of anoles are formed due to variations in the color of their dewlaps, a reproductive trait that determines their mating behavior.

The “Abbreviated Film Guide” provides a short summary of the film, along with key concepts and connections to curriculum standards.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Details
Key Terms

adaptation, convergent evolution, ecological niche, macroevolution, microevolution, reproductive isolation, speciation, trait

Primary Literature

Losos, Jonathan. Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2011. 

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level

This resource complies with accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 11.12.13
Date Updated 05.14.20
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2.A, HS-LS3.B, HS-LS4.B, HS-LS4.C

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-1, EVO-3, IST-4

IB Biology (2016)

5.1, 5.4, C.1

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.C

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.2

Vision and Change (2009)

CC1, CC5

Materials
HD (M4V) 640 MB
HD (WMV) 548 MB
SD (M4V) 146 MB
SD (WMV) 140 MB
Transcript (PDF) 327 KB
Spanish dub (Español) (MP4) 308 MB
Transcript - Español (PDF) 242 KB
Abbreviated Film Guide (PDF) 165 KB

Educator Tips

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1-Minute Tips
Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree
Bob Kuhn describes how he uses BioInteractive resources to teach speciation to his students. The short film "Lizards in an Evolutionary Tree" introduces students to how new species arise.
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