Data from: Quantitative traits and mode of speciation in Martinique anoles

We investigate extensive quantitative trait variation (dewlap hue, colour pattern, dorsum hue, body proportions and scalation) in the Martinique anole across eight transects representing nascent parapatric ecological speciation, nascent allopatric speciation, and allopatric divergence without sufficient genetic structure to suggest speciation. Quantitative trait divergence can be extremely large between adjacent sets of populations, but with one exception this is associated with difference in habitat rather than past allopatry. Nascent ecological speciation shows the greatest level of quantitative trait divergence across all character sets including those implicated in natural, as well as sexual selection. The sole example of nascent allopatric speciation is associated with fairly strong quantitative trait diverge among most character sets, but not the set most implicated in natural (rather than sexual) selection. The role of sexual selection in ecological speciation is discussed, both in terms of female choice with assortative mating, and male-male competition with condition-dependant sexual signals.

本研究针对马提尼克安乐蜥（Martinique anole）的8条样带（transects）展开分析，探究其广泛的数量性状变异（quantitative trait variation），涉及喉扇色调（dewlap hue）、体色模式（colour pattern）、背部色调（dorsum hue）、身体比例（body proportions）及鳞片特征（scalation）；这些样带分别代表新生邻域生态物种形成（nascent parapatric ecological speciation）、新生异域物种形成（nascent allopatric speciation），以及未形成足够遗传结构以构成物种形成的异域分化（allopatric divergence）过程。相邻种群组间的数量性状分化（quantitative trait divergence）程度可极为显著，但仅存一例例外：此类分化与栖息地差异相关，而非与过往的异域分化历程相关。新生邻域生态物种形成在所有性状类别中均表现出最为显著的数量性状分化，涵盖了与自然选择（natural selection）及性选择（sexual selection）相关的各类性状。唯一一例新生异域物种形成案例，在多数性状类别中均呈现出较为显著的数量性状分化，但未在与自然选择（而非性选择）高度相关的性状类别中表现出明显分化。本研究还探讨了性选择在生态物种形成中的作用，分别从基于选型交配（assortative mating）的雌性配偶选择，以及依赖个体状态的性信号（condition-dependent sexual signals）介导的雄性间竞争（male-male competition）两个维度进行了讨论。