Chameleon maps

ehdee6

Avid Member
I fell down a bit of a worm hole reading about Brookesia nana today. And the site had a neat map showing where the chameleon locals are from. I just found it interesting how each local species actually keeps to their specific location in Madagascar. You'd think they'd just spread out and take over the entire island. I guess it goes to show how each really need their own special environment to thrive.

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This site has more detailed information on chameleo sightings.

https://www.researchgate.net
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I've also wondered that, especially when looking at the white locals, is it an albino sort of trait? It looks like it mixes in with the others, and then the colors get more vibrant as they spread north/south. Perhaps more cross breeding than we give them credit for?
 
Scientifically, geographic isolation can prevent gene flow and allow local gene pools to diverge. So…for example, there might be mountains between different colour variations that prevent matings so that plays a part in colours developed in the separated areas.

Such local differences might be reinforced by natural selection and sexual selection from mate choice.

I’m sure there can be a few factors playing a part in the colour variations.
 
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