● Why have anoles evolved different toe pads?

○ Anoles have evolved different toe pads as an adaptation to their environment.

Different types of toe pads help anoles to climb on different types of surfaces.
For example, anoles with large, flat toe pads are better suited for climbing on
broad leaves, while anoles with slender, curved toe pads are better suited for
climbing on narrow branches.

● Does the evolution of these anoles happen quickly or slowly? What is your
evidence?

○ The evolution of anoles has occurred relatively quickly, on a geological

timescale. Studies have shown that certain traits, such as dewlap size and
toe pad shape, can evolve in as little as a few hundred generations.

● What is a species, and how does speciation occur?

○ A species is a group of living organisms that share similar characteristics and

can interbreed to produce viable offspring. Speciation occurs when a
population of organisms becomes isolated from the rest of their species and
evolves unique traits that prevent them from interbreeding with the parent
population.

● Why is a change in dewlap considered an important step in the formation of a

new anole species?

○ A change in dewlap is considered an important step in the formation of a new

anole species because the dewlap is used in mating displays and helps to
distinguish between different species of anoles. If a population of anoles
evolves a dewlap that is significantly different from the dewlap of its parent
population, it may no longer be able to mate with the parent population and
could become a new species.

● What evidence indicates that the same types of anoles evolved independently on
different islands?

○ The evidence that the same types of anoles evolved independently on

different islands comes from studies of the genetic and morphological
characteristics of anoles from different islands. These studies have shown
that anoles from different islands that share similar ecological niches and
habitats often have similar physical and genetic traits, indicating that they
evolved independently in response to similar environmental pressures.