My school has a three week term devoted to travel and exploration called “Field Academy.” I have, every year, designed and undertaken a three week experiential learning project related to animals and the environment. Since I’ve always been fascinated with evolution and speciation, I knew I had to study the anoles lizards. They are the perfect genus to study because of the isolated islands of the Caribbean they live on. The anoles lizards originated from South America about 40 million years ago. They may be similar in appearance, but they are all different species. Their resemblance is because they have all adapted to homogenous ecological niches (the role and impact a species has on its environment). There are specific species for each Caribbean island.
…show more content…
These lizards prove that evolution repeats itself, even in varying species and locations. I traveled to Puerto Rico and to study these concepts. I compared the morphology, mannerisms, and genetics of six anole species in Puerto Rico with other anoles in the Caribbean. I visited the only rainforest in North America to locate species, and, as a final project output, prepared an in-depth research paper. While these experiences broadened my knowledge, they all impressed upon me how much more there is to discover in animal
These lizards prove that evolution repeats itself, even in varying species and locations. I traveled to Puerto Rico and to study these concepts. I compared the morphology, mannerisms, and genetics of six anole species in Puerto Rico with other anoles in the Caribbean. I visited the only rainforest in North America to locate species, and, as a final project output, prepared an in-depth research paper. While these experiences broadened my knowledge, they all impressed upon me how much more there is to discover in animal