Anole lizards living in three cities in Puerto Rico have mutations in genes linked to immune function, limb and skin development, which may help them thrive alongside humans.
Lizards in three cities in Puerto Rico have evolved a similar set of genetic changes to help them adapt to urban life.
The Puerto Rican crested anole (Anolis cristatellus) is abundant in cities, but living in them presents challenges. There are fewer dense bushes to hide in, glass and metal surfaces are much smoother and harder to climb than tree bark and much of their diet consists of human garbage rather than the berries and insects they are used to in the forest. Read more in New Scientist.