Unit:
Τομέας Φυσιολογίας Ζώων και ΑνθρώπουLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Σαγώνας Κωνσταντίνος
Dissertation committee:
Ευστράτιος Βαλάκος Αναπλ. Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ (επιβλέπων), Αικατερίνη Γαϊτανάκη Καθηγήτρια ΕΚΠΑ, Νίκος Πουλακάκης Επίκ. Καθηγητής Πανεπιστημίου Κρήτης
Original Title:
Φυλογένεση και φυσιολογικές προσαρμογές του γένους Lacerta sensu lato (Sauria: Lacertidae) στην Ελλάδα
Translated title:
Phylogeny and physiological adaptations of the genus Lacerta sensu lato (Sauria: Lacertidae) in Greece
Summary:
The main aim of the present research was to investigate the effect of natural
selection on the ecology, physiology and general biology of the lizard species
Lacerta trilineata. To this aim, we examined morphological, functional and
behavioral traits within a comparative phylogenetic framework of insular and
mainland populations. The resolved phylogeny revealed that the first branch-off
of the genus Lacerta occurred during the middle Miocene. The clade of L.
trilineata existences of six distinct lineages, raising questions regarding its
taxonomic status. Regarding the strategy of thermoregulation, the comparison
between mainland and island populations supported the “labile view” on the
evolution of thermal physiology for this species. In addition, we found that
islanders have adopted a less specialized diet and consume significant amount
of plant material. The underlying reasons of this dietary shift should be
sought in the divergence of head shape and bite force and the different
digestive strategy. Namely, islanders have increased the digestive tract length
and the frequency of cecal valves in the hindgut. Finally our finding revealed
that the genetic boundaries of islands and the food scarcity prevailing on them
caused decline in the genetic divergence at the major histocompatibility
complex and host parasite tolerance.
Keywords:
Phylogeny, Thermal physiology, Geometric morphometrics, Major histocompatibility complex, Lacerta trilineata
Number of references:
885
Number of pages:
[20], 356
