Figure 6.

Illustrated are the results of an ancestral character state reconstruction performed in Mesquite for the estimated bite force based on the modeling. Note that the ancestor of Phrynosoma bit with an estimated force of 4.47 N. Bite force then gradually decreases with the evolution of the different species paralleling the increase in the amount of ants consumed. A notable exception is the clade comprising P. orbiculare, P. ditmarsi and P. hernandesi, showing a secondary increase in bite force.