The Lizard's Tale 104: The Origin of Anole Species

Speciation is the process by which barriers arise between populations that prevent them from inter-breeding. So how do anoles recognize their own species? One way is through the colors and patterns of their distinctive dewlaps. To scientists, this is a clear sign that physical features play an important part in the speciation process – and now, they’re devising experiments to help us understand what drives this crucial part of the evolutionary process.