Phenotypic diversity facilitates niche partitioning in a sky island assemblage of spiny lizards.

This article focuses on how four closely related spiny lizard species (genus *Sceloporus*) coexist by partitioning ecological niches in the resource-limited "sky island" environment of the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona, USA. Through field surveys and morphological analyses, the study demonstrates that these sympatric species primarily differentiate along spatial axes—especially perch height and substrate type—as well as thermal and temporal resource use. Morphological traits linked to climbing ability, such as body size, limb length, and toe length, correspond with these niche differences, supporting the role of ecomorphology in facilitating coexistence. Additionally, species-specific coloration patterns relate to substrate matching, likely reflecting adaptations to predation and habitat use. The findings highlight the importance of examining multiple niche dimensions and associated phenotypes to understand community assembly and species diversity among closely related taxa.