The Lizard Scientists

October 1, 2022
A veteran science writer reports on some surprising recent discoveries about evolution and adaptation made by researchers studying the small tropical lizards called anoles. Experiments and observations reveal that the tree-dwelling lizards, when placed in new habitats, begin to show physical changes in as little as four years--and if the news is buried in rather dry and repetitive observations about convergent evolution and ecomorphic differences in leg length and toepads, it should still make readers interested in evolutionary theory sit up and take notice. Though the photos are usually a strong point of this much-lauded series, here they, too, underperform, since, aside from a few close-up views to show colorful dewlaps and scale patterns, the dull brown or green reptiles make inconspicuous visual subjects. Still, in line with the series premise, Patent introduces several zoologists studying anoles both in the Caribbean and in the Miami area (most relatively young and including at least one who is a person of color) who explain their projects, and she also highlights an ongoing grassroots initiative dubbed "Lizards on the Loose" that enlists students in southern Florida to track anole populations. One of the series' weaker entries, its appeal more intellectual than visceral. (maps, glossary, resource lists, photo credits, index) (Illustrated nonfiction. 10-13)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

December 1, 2022
Grades 5-8 Part of the prolific Scientists in the Field series, this volume by repeat contributor Patent introduces the concept of evolution through the study of anoles (the lizard family that has both dewlaps and toe pads). Brief overviews of Charles Darwin, his revolutionary theory, and anole ecomorphs, or collection of traits (e.g., living in treetops, on tree trunks, or on the ground), provide context for successive chapters that spotlight field biologists at work. The bulk of the advanced text is more fitting for sophisticated science readers; it describes how the Greater Antilles--notably Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Cuba--are ideal "island test tubes" for conducting experiments with the small-size, rapidly reproducing lizards. By relocating anoles with different ecomorphs to other islands, scientists are able to trace evolution as it happens. High-quality photos by a team of biologists and wildlife filmmakers showcase both the variety of anole attributes and the conditions of studying them in the wild. A concluding chapter covers country- versus city-anole adaptations, as well as adaptations to climate change, adding relevancy to the topic.

COPYRIGHT(2022) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

January 1, 2023
In this entry in the acclaimed series, Patent (Saving the Tasmanian Devil, rev. 11/19) introduces readers to anoles, a genus of lizards distinguished by having both dewlaps (neck folds) and toepads, and to the scientists investigating them. The anoles inhabiting four Caribbean islands are ecomorphs, species that evolved separately but developed the same physical features and are a classic example of convergent evolution. The animals also have a short life cycle, which allows scientists to document population level changes in real time. Patent interviews the scientists in a variety of research settings and explains, in easily understandable and scientifically robust detail, their research questions and methods and the contributions they make to our understandings of evolution and natural selection. She visits laboratories where lizards run on a track to test their agility on various surfaces. In field sites, recent hurricanes have provided opportunities for natural and controlled experiments, including a citizen science project in Florida where children send in photos of the lizards in their schoolyards. High-quality photographs of anoles and their habitats, taken by lizard scientists turned documentary filmmakers, are well aligned with the text and provide details that readers can scrutinize. Sidebars give further biographical details about some of the scientists. A glossary and lists of additional resources are appended, including the citations for key scientific papers produced by the people featured in the book. Danielle J. Ford

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2023
In this entry in the acclaimed series, Patent (Saving the Tasmanian Devil, rev. 11/19) introduces readers to anoles, a genus of lizards distinguished by having both dewlaps (neck folds) and toepads, and to the scientists investigating them. The anoles inhabiting four Caribbean islands are ecomorphs, species that evolved separately but developed the same physical features and are a classic example of convergent evolution. The animals also have a short life cycle, which allows scientists to document population level changes in real time. Patent interviews the scientists in a variety of research settings and explains, in easily understandable and scientifically robust detail, their research questions and methods and the contributions they make to our understandings of evolution and natural selection. She visits laboratories where lizards run on a track to test their agility on various surfaces. In field sites, recent hurricanes have provided opportunities for natural and controlled experiments, including a citizen science project in Florida where children send in photos of the lizards in their schoolyards. High-quality photographs of anoles and their habitats, taken by lizard scientists turned documentary filmmakers, are well aligned with the text and provide details that readers can scrutinize. Sidebars give further biographical details about some of the scientists. A glossary and lists of additional resources are appended, including the citations for key scientific papers produced by the people featured in the book.

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)