The brown anole, Anolis sagrei, which scientists used in laboratory experiments to determine whether the silver key anoles on Turks and Caicos had adapted differently.
Day's Edge ProductionsHurricane season is upon us and it turns out that these powerful storms can quickly affect the biology of animals. After hurricanes Irma and Maria hit the islands that make up Turks and Caicos about a decade ago, the silver key anole adapted. They now have a shorter fourth toe on their hind legs! That could help them cling to objects better. But how do you know unless you put lizards in front of a fan and record how long they can hold on?
This study is out now in the journal Current Biology.
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This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn and Marc Rivers. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez and Christopher Intagliata. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineers were Jimmy Keeley and Eowyn Fain.
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