Editing Anolis (section)

===Evolution===
''Anolis'' lizards have emerged to be a good example of [[adaptive radiation]]. The difference in dewlap morphology among ''Anolis'' lizard populations demonstrates this phenomenon. ''Anolis'' lizards have the ability to adapt to different areas of the environment in a way where multiple species can coexist effectively. The amount of vegetation in an environment affects the amount of light absorbed. Studies have shown that lighting affects the dewlap’s function as a visual signal. The diversity in vegetation in ''Anolis'' lizards’ environments has caused a similar diversity in dewlap morphology, as different species of anoles adapt to the lighting conditions in their environment.<ref name="Leal, M 2002. pp. 351"/> The ability for a lizard to signal effectively also means it is able to defend its territory and attract mates more effectively, making it a good competitor.

The relationship between background contrast and visual signals also suggests that there exists a [[coevolution]] between the signals and sensory systems of ''Anolis'' lizards.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Leal | first1=Manuel | last2=Fleishman | first2=Leo J. | title=Differences in Visual Signal Design and Detectability between Allopatric Populations of''Anolis''Lizards | journal=The American Naturalist | publisher=University of Chicago Press | volume=163 | issue=1 | year=2004 | issn=0003-0147 | doi=10.1086/379794 | pages=26–39| pmid=14767834 | s2cid=5650723 }}</ref> The environmental diversity of Anolis habitats causes a diversity in the recognition of individuals. Sensory systems must be able to effectively pick up on dewlap signals, thus coevolving with the changes in dewlap characteristics.

One of the main limitations to these theories is that of [[gene flow]]. Population genetic theory says that gene flow can counteract evolutionary adaptations made and prevent signal divergence, due to an influx of abnormal alleles into the new population.<ref>{{cite journal | last1=Dieckmann | first1=Ulf | last2=Doebeli | first2=Michael | title=On the origin of species by sympatric speciation | journal=Nature | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=400 | issue=6742 | year=1999 | issn=0028-0836 | doi=10.1038/22521 | pages=354–357| pmid=10432112 | bibcode=1999Natur.400..354D | s2cid=4301325 | url=http://pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/5926/1/IR-99-013.pdf }}</ref> This causes a genetic homogenization and challenges the idea that dewlap morphology in ''Anolis'' lizards and their sensory systems have coevolved.