Uncovering the mosaic evolution of the carnivoran skeletal system.

ABSTRACT: The diversity of vertebrate skeletons is often attributed to adaptations to distinct ecological factors such as diet, locomotion, and sensory environment. Although the adaptive evolution of skull, appendicular skeleton, and vertebral column is well studied in vertebrates, comprehensive investigations of all skeletal components simultaneously are rarely performed. Consequently, we know little of how modes of evolution differ among skeletal components. Here, we tested if ecological and phylogenetic effects led to distinct modes of evolution among the cranial, appendicular and vertebral regions in extant carnivoran skeletons. Using multivariate evolutionary models, we found mosaic evolution in which only the mandible, hindlimb and posterior (i.e. last thoracic and lumbar) vertebrae showed evi

SUBMITTER: Law CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10806395 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature