Ecology of the lizard Gonatodes humeralis (Sphaerodactylidae) in a coastal area of the Brazilian semiarid: What differs from the Amazonian populations?

Information about the variation of biological attributes in species whose distribution covers more than one biome contributes to understanding phenotype variation in different environments. Herein, we evaluated how ecological aspects of the lizard Gonatodes humeralis vary between rainforest populations (Amazon domain) and a recently registered population in a coastal forest influenced by semiarid climate (Caatinga domain). We investigated body size, temperature, activity period, microhabitat use and diet of this species, testing the hypothesis that, compared to Amazonian populations, the Caatinga population would present a reduced body size, shortened activity period, exploration of a greater variety of microhabitats and a more diverse diet. In fact, we corroborated the predictions with respect to body size and diet. On the other hand, we observed a more conservative activity period and greater specialization in the use of microhabitats in the Caatinga population. Our findings contribute to understanding the variation in biological attributes between populations of species with wide distributions and reveal adjustments conducted by biotic and abiotic factors in different morphological, ecological and behavioral traits.