Courtship for Anolis lizards involves the male displaying a dewlap (skin under the throat area)that varies in appearance based upon the species.Lizards that are found in darker,more shaded environments will have dewlaps that are lighter in color because they are more noticeable by potential mates.Which of the following mechanisms best explains how speciation is at work in this example?
A)Postzygotic isolation
B)Reinforcement
C)Genetic drift
D)Natural selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection is at work in this example because the variation in dewlap color is being driven by environmental factors (light availability) and is ultimately influencing which individuals are able to successfully mate and produce offspring. As a result, the population is becoming increasingly differentiated over time.

Courtship for Anolis Lizards Involves the Male Displaying a Dewlap