What shapes the differences in body size between males and females in miniature species? One potential key factor is reproduction, which could constrain body size evolution because females of miniature species need to remain large enough to lay viable eggs. Glynne and Adams (2024) tested this hypothesis in two gecko families, the Sphaerodactylidae and Phyllodactylidae. Their findings support this hypothesis, indicating that female-biased size differences in miniature species are shaped by selection for reproductive success.
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