NYT refs iNaturalist in research

Nature Talk
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Hold Me, Squeeze Me, Bite My Head

Two recent research efforts looked into the southern alligator lizard, which has one of nature’s more extreme mating strategies.

Interesting New York Times Science story includes a reference to iNaturalist:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/29/science/lizard-sex-jaws.html

It links to an observation by natureinla
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/22517665

Snippet:
“ Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Since 2015, the museum has put out a yearly call for photos and videos of alligator lizards getting it on, which it collects through emails, social media and the platform iNaturalist.”

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Thanks for this post :) I love hearing the ways people use iNat data.

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That project asked me for my observation earlier this year. Very fun.

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That is so interesting, how data from iNat can be used directly in research. Hope somehow I’d be able to contribute to society in a way like this.

On a side note, those lizards are really rough when mating, I actually wonder the reasons as to why… winnowing the weaker ones to find those with the strongest genes? Position of the genitalia are awkward and/or blocked?
Alright, I’m reading that up, haha

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Just read it up, oh wow, it’s very different from what I had originally thought. A lot more gentle than Varanus lizards at least!

Still, I wonder why they do that, not to mention the sheer amount of time it apparently takes. Actually reminds me of snakes for some reason…

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We scooped the New York Times on this story three years ago :wink:

https://www.inaturalist.org/blog/11218-inaturalist-occurrence-data-and-alligator-lizard-mating

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Well, well, well… the story that keeps on going. :)

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Also, I loved the great video with Dr. Pauly… he just nails it!

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