Patterns of correlations and locomotor specialization in anuran limbs: association with phylogeny and ecology

Abstract

As anuran saltatory locomotion has specific functional requirements achieved through certain intra- and inter-limb proportions, we analyzed pattern and degree of morphological integration in limbs of ten anuran species to reveal the relationship of shared developmental programs of serially homologous structures and locomotor specialization. Our main objectives were (1) to examine if morphological and functional differences in forelimb and hindlimb were associated with reduced covariation between limbs, (2) and to reveal patterns of correlation between species and the roles played by evolutionary history (phylogeny) and ecology (lifestyle and habitat use). Species with different locomotor behaviours (walking, jumping, hopping, running, climbing, swimming and burrowing) were used. Partial correlations showed that species shared similar patterns of functionally based morphological integration, with increased correlations in elements within limbs and reduced correlations between limbs. This was mainly based on strong correlations between proximal elements, humerus-radioulna and femur-tibiofibula. To test the influence of phylogenetic relationships and ecological demands we used different matrices (correlation similarity matrix, ecological similarity matrix, matrices of phylogenetic distance and morphological distance). The changes in correlation patterns are shown to be dissociated from phylogeny. On the other hand, they are to some extent shaped by habitat use and locomotion, as the species with similar locomotor behaviour also tend to have stronger similarity in integration patterns. The results from this study provide insight into the processes underlying the evolutionary change of anuran limbs, highlighting function as the main factor that shaped morphological integration of the examined species.