Lizard Evaluation

1.     At the beginning of the virtual lab, you were asked to sort eight lizards into categories. What criteria did you initially use to make your groups?

I initially sorted the lizards by color and relative head shape.

2.     Did you revise your criteria later? Why?

I later revised the criteria after I learned more data about the lizards like body length and foot size.

3.     An adaptation is a structure or function that is common in a population because it enhances the ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment. Provide one example and an explanation of one adaptation in the Anolis lizards.

The Anolis lizard has adapted by have larger feet when living and hunting on higher parts of the tree so that it can cling to the tree better.

4.     Provide one evolutionary explanation for why lizards living in the same part of the habitat (i.e., grass) would have similar characteristics.

The reason why lizards living in the same part of the habitat would have similar characteristics is because their characteristics are an adaptation to it’s surroundings. 

5.     What is an ecomorph? Provide one example from the virtual lab.

Ecomorph are different adaptations that species develop based on the environment and habitat for example lizards that live on the lower branches have shorter legs and smaller feet then those living on the higher branches.

6.     How is an ecomorph different from a species?

The term Species refers to the entire group of living things where as ecomorphs refer to the adaptations within the species based on there varies environmental differences.

7.     Explain how a particular body feature of one of the lizard ecomorphs from the virtual lab is an adaptation to their particular niche.

Since the lizard living higher on the branches need to be able to hold on and not fall while hunting food they have developed large feet to do so.