Os efeitos das alterações ambientais sobre a distribuição e fenótipo de um lagarto partenogenético na Amazônia Central

Abstract

1. Habitat modification, such as deforestation and urbanization, coupled with global climate change, is among the most challenging impacts to species, and often require quick and varied responses from organisms. However, the type of reproduction is a major factor in these responses. Parthenogenetics species reproduce by cloning, and are able to colonize new environments quickly if the new environment is suitable for them. While poor genetic diversity and the accumulation of deleterious mutations can lead them to extinction over time. Therefore, how parthenogenetic species will respond to habitat modification? 2. Here, we assessed the variation in morphology and thermal traits between a natural and neonative (urban) population of Gymnophthalmus underwoodi, a parthenogenetic lizard that inhabits open environments within the Amazon basin. We compared the morphology of the two populations using 16 traits and assessed the urban environment as stress habitat using fluctuating asymmetry. The thermal traits were compared using preferential temperature, critical temperatures maximum and minimum, and thermal performance curve of sprint. We also predict how changing climates might impact its distribution until 2100, through a hybrid species distribution model using ecophysiological and climatic variables, landcover, soil type and slope as predictors. 3. We provide evidence for fast phenotypic change in parthenogenetic species under anthropic factor. The neonative population shows faster sprint than the native population, as a result of the larger hind feet and fore feet, as well as higher temperature for optimal sprint performance. The neonative population shows cooler temperature to critical minimum, which may be associated with larger trunk. The distribution model shows a stronger association with open area nearby rivers and cities. This may facilitate the dispersion of individuals over the Amazon, tracking changing environments and dispersing accidentally aboard boats. The species shows tolerance to predicted climates even in extreme scenarios, increasing its distribution over open areas. 4. Despite being parthenogenetic, this is one of the few examples in which Amazonian thermoregulator lizard species may actually benefit from anthropic environmental changes. Therefore, anthropic factors may threaten Amazon biodiversity not solely by causing a population decline, but by enhancing competition between native and neonative/alien species.