An example is, when hognose expanded across North America, we do not know what its preferred conditions were, or what the micro habitat was, or what type predators shaped them. Or even if there was a sized difference, or what size they were. Or even what color and patterns they had.

As to why males tend to be smaller then females, that is any ones guess. There are exceptions, and there are a million theories. It "could be" as simple as it allows more energy to go to the females in a given environment. As smaller individuals require less energy. Or something completely different, males in species where they are smaller, may not pair bond and are expendable. As they spend more time in dangerous activities such as crawling on the surface seeking females. As in, exposed to predators. I imagine I could come up with a bunch more "could be's" as they are academic(non proven} it would be easy.

The real problem is, currently we are very very poor at studying behavior, so if the answer to this question is behaviorally driven, there's little chance we will understand it anytime soon. End part

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]