Abstract
The use of behavioral data is quite common in studies of chordate animals and some groups of arthropods; however, these data are usually used in ecological and conservation studies. Their use remains uncommon in phylogenetic reconstructions, especially for non-model groups in behavioral studies. This study aims to evaluate the methodological use of behavioral (feeding process) data with EthoKit Logger in the phylogenetic reconstruction of the Cnidaria, a group in the so-called 'lower' Metazoa. The results indicate considerable cohesion with reconstructions based on molecular data available in previous studies. We therefore suggest that the use of behavioral characters can possible be a useful secondary tool or a proof test for molecular evolutionary reconstructions.
Highlights
Food provides essential resources for the maintenance and conservation of life. It is an essential resource for invertebrates, and in cnidarians, its importance begins in the larval stage (Schwarz et al 2002)
Studies of feeding behavior remain inconclusive on its evolution over millions of years or its relationship to the evolutionary history of these groups, though some studies do show that feeding behavior can be related to phylogenetic signal (Martins et al 2002, Bouetel 2005)
This study aims to test the viability and validity of feeding behavior as a source of information for phylogenetic reconstruction that can be used to support molecular and/or morphological phylogenetic approaches
Summary
Food provides essential resources for the maintenance and conservation of life It is an essential resource for invertebrates, and in cnidarians, its importance begins in the larval stage (Schwarz et al 2002). While much is known about the importance of food for invertebrates (Strathmann 1985), the same is not true about the behavioral mechanisms that these animals use to obtain food, especially from an evolutionary perspective. Tentacles are usually found around the mouth opening of these animals, and their primary and best-known function is to capture food (Lira et al 2012). The methods by which these animals use tentacles to catch prey are usually not described or not described in great detail (Shick 1991, Williams et al 1991)
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