How a Biological Version of Rock-Paper-Scissors Determines if Lizard Colors Are Maintained or Lost

How a biological version of rock-paper-scissors determines if lizard colors are maintained or lost

Two new studies into lizard colors reveal how one species maintains its colorful diversity while others are losing their ancient colors. And the changes are being driven by the biological equivalent of rock-paper-scissors.

This Lizard Plays Rock-Paper-Scissors

Carl Zimmer in the New York Times: If you live in the United States, chances are you’re familiar with the game rock-paper-scissors. You put out your hand in one of three gestures: clenching it in a fist (rock), holding it out flat (paper) or holding up two fingers in a “V” (scissors). Rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper and paper beats rock. Americans by no means have a monopoly on the game. People play it around the world in many variation…

New Study Explains Lizard Colors Through the Rock-Paper-Scissors Game » Explorersweb

At this moment, the male side-blotched lizards of the American West are engaged in dating drama beyond human comprehension. Three different morphs of lizard, all with different colors and different mating strategies, are vying for females. New research uses a model based on the game Rock-Paper-Scissors to explain the genetic setup behind this lizard's love life. This polite lizard will likely exhibit loyalty to a single mate. Photo: Ammon Corl  …