Claw shape variation in oribatid mites of the genera Carabodes and Caleremaeus: exploring the interplay of habitat, ecology and phylogenetics.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Claws are a commonly observed biological adaptation across a wide range of animal groups. They serve different functions and their link to evolution is challenging to analyze. While there are many studies on the comparative anatomy and morphology of claws in reptiles, birds and several arthropods, knowledge about claws of soil-living oribatid mites, is still limited. Recent research on intertidal oribatid mites has shown that claw shape is strongly correlated with microhabitat and is subject to ecological selective pressures. However, the selective constraints shaping claws in terrestrial oribatid mites are still unknown.

Methods

In this study, 300 specimens from 12 different species and two genera were examined. Geometric morphometrics were used to quantify claw

SUBMITTER: Kerschbaumer M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10538281 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature