Various biological and chemical mechanisms underly the outward behavior of A. carolinensis, and lizards in general.
Male lizards in the species P. algirus exhibited more aggressive behavior towards males of other lineages, based on their chemical cues. Using chemosensory recognition, lizards are able to detect males of opposite lineages, and use this to impede intrusive access to female lizards in their territory [3] (see figure 2).
It may seem obvious that lizards (or animals in general) with better fighting ability have more reproductive success, but the backing mechanisms of this are somewhat more intricate. For example, male harassment, such as biting and chasing, is a better predictor for male reproductive success than simple fighting ability. This is because males who are able to harass females for longer are more able to overcome female resistance. Females were found to be no less likely to reject males who were better at fighting, indicating that fighting ability has no intrinsic effect on female choice [4].
Studies have shown that dominant anoles have significant differences in androgen receptor (A ligand binding transcription factor used to modulate the expression of many genes) mRNA expression than subordinate males. Pairwise comparison showed that dominant males mRNA expression of these receptors was significantly higher in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus two hours after lizards were paired together [5] (see figure 3).
Male lizards in the species P. algirus exhibited more aggressive behavior towards males of other lineages, based on their chemical cues. Using chemosensory recognition, lizards are able to detect males of opposite lineages, and use this to impede intrusive access to female lizards in their territory [3] (see figure 2).
It may seem obvious that lizards (or animals in general) with better fighting ability have more reproductive success, but the backing mechanisms of this are somewhat more intricate. For example, male harassment, such as biting and chasing, is a better predictor for male reproductive success than simple fighting ability. This is because males who are able to harass females for longer are more able to overcome female resistance. Females were found to be no less likely to reject males who were better at fighting, indicating that fighting ability has no intrinsic effect on female choice [4].
Studies have shown that dominant anoles have significant differences in androgen receptor (A ligand binding transcription factor used to modulate the expression of many genes) mRNA expression than subordinate males. Pairwise comparison showed that dominant males mRNA expression of these receptors was significantly higher in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus two hours after lizards were paired together [5] (see figure 3).
Figure 2 is taken from [3] and Figure 3. is from [5]