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Evolutionary adaptation breeds gender-identification confusion

Rise of camouflage results in surprise for some male lizards

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

PORTLAND, Ore. — The recent evolution of camouflage among lizards in the powdery dunes of New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument can lead to some misunderstandings when some males choose to make love, not war.

MIX-UPS In the white dunes of New Mexico, eastern fence lizards have evolved a pale form (top) that predators find harder to see against the sand.