Abstract
BackgroundBody shape can be both a consequence and cause of a species’ evolution and ecology. There are many examples of phenotypes associated with specific ecological niches, likely as a result of specific selective regimes. A classic example of this is the phenotypic change associated with colonization of caves, including body and limb elongation. However, studies explicitly testing for differences in body shape between cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling lineages have been limited and so the role of the cave environment in determining morphological characteristics is still not completely understood. Here we examine variation in body shape among 405 individuals representing 20 species in the salamander genus Eurycea (Plethodontidae) and select outgroups exhibiting great diversity in morphology, ecological niche, and life history.ResultsAfter analyzing morphometric data in a phylogenetic context using phylogenetic MANOVA and examination of the phylomorphospace, we found significant differences in body shape among cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling species and between aquatic and terrestrial species. Notably, limb elongation and reduced body and tail size characterized cave-dwelling species. Terrestrial species also exhibited elongation of the limbs and digits. We also observed differences in shape variance among paedomorphic and biphasic species. Our results suggest that the functional limitations imposed by habitat and life history played a key role in the evolution of body shape in this group in the context of their phylogenetic history.
Highlights
Body shape is a key part of morphological variation among vertebrates, with impacts on function and ecology [1,2]
Our results suggest that the functional limitations imposed by habitat and life history played a key role in the evolution of body shape in this group in the context of their phylogenetic history
In this study we examined the impact of habitat and life history on body shape and size by comparing morphological measurements among (1) aquatic and terrestrial and (2) caverestricted and non-cave-restricted species in the salamander genus Eurycea
Summary
Body shape is a key part of morphological variation among vertebrates, with impacts on function and ecology [1,2]. Body shape evolution in Plethodontid salamanders or functional constraints, adaptive differentiation, or shared phylogenetic history [3,4,5]. Understanding the causes of variation in body shape is important for understanding how it may impact a species’ evolutionary trajectory: for example, increased fitness from the evolution of a certain body shape may prevent divergence from that shape, whereas similarity due to shared evolutionary history may not limit future changes in morphology. We examine variation in body shape among 405 individuals representing 20 species in the salamander genus Eurycea (Plethodontidae) and select outgroups exhibiting great diversity in morphology, ecological niche, and life history
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
