Honors College Theses

Publication Date

10-31-2024

Major

Biology (B.S.B.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Lance McBrayer

Abstract

Color dimorphism refers to the variation in color, color frequency, and physical traits between male and female individuals of the same species. It manifests in most dioecious species, presenting as differences in size, color, marking, and behavioral sexual characteristics. Sceloporus woodi, the Florida scrub lizard, is a species endemic to Florida that exhibits color dimorphism, particularity in size, and coloration of secondary sex characteristics. Despite the significance of color dimorphism in the social structure and sexual selection in these lizards, little is known about the factors that are correlated to sexual secondary characteristics present in females. This study explored the sexual dimorphism of Florida scrub lizards to address factors that potentially play a role in determining badge size, area, and intensity of color badges in female lizards. We looked at various traits known to cause badge variation in males to determine if the manifestation of color badges operates similarly in females. Overall, we found that the factors known to influence badge expression in males (ectoparasite load, body size [SVL], body condition index [BCI], and habitat type) did not affect badge expression in females. Additionally, we found a trend between gravidity and intensity of blue badges, with gravid females having brighter, or less blue badges. This result suggests that badge intensity may be linked to reproductive status, potentially indicating a role in signaling fertility or influencing social interactions.

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