History and function of scale microornamentation in lacertid lizards

Journal of Morphology
E N Arnold

Abstract

Differences in surface structure (ober-hautchen) of body scales of lacertid lizards involve cell size, shape and surface profile, presence or absence of fine pitting, form of cell margins, and the occurrence of longitudinal ridges and pustular projections. Phylogenetic information indicates that the primitive pattern involved narrow strap-shaped cells, with low posteriorly overlapping edges and relatively smooth surfaces. Deviations from this condition produce a more sculptured surface and have developed many times, although subsequent overt reversals are uncommon. Like variations in scale shape, different patterns of dorsal body microornamentation appear to confer different and conflicting performance advantages. The primitive pattern may reduce friction during locomotion and also enhances dirt shedding, especially in ground-dwelling forms from moist habitats. However, this smooth microornamentation generates shine that may compromise cryptic coloration, especially when scales are large. Many derived features show correlation with such large scales and appear to suppress shine. They occur most frequently in forms from dry habitats or forms that climb in vegetation away from the ground, situations where dirt adhesion is less of...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 13, 2009·Journal of Comparative Physiology. A, Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology·R A BerthéS N Gorb
Oct 30, 2008·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Ainsley E SeagoTom D Schultz
Oct 31, 2012·Zoological Science·Ahmed A Allam, Rasha E Abo-Eleneen
Feb 13, 2016·Ecology and Evolution·Claire E TreilibsC Michael Bull
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Apr 6, 2006·Progress in Histochemistry and Cytochemistry·Lorenzo Alibardi, Mattia Toni
Oct 1, 2003·Journal of Morphology·David J Gower
Aug 7, 2018·Zoological Science·Tein-Shun TsaiShih-Hao Wang
May 4, 2018·Integrative Zoology·María José Tulli, Félix B Cruz
Feb 20, 2019·Journal of Morphology·Harvey B Lillywhite, Gopinathan K Menon
Aug 28, 2014·Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·Martina J BaumStanislav N Gorb
Jun 20, 2020·Ecology and Evolution·Jendrian RiedelLin Schwarzkopf

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