Emergent network properties link phenotypic modules to ecomorphological divergence in carnivoran mammals.

ABSTRACT: The skull is the skeletal core of a multicomponent, multifunctional system that controls organismal activities. A common set of skeletal modules is known in mammal skulls and is correlated to developmental and functional compartmentalization. However, it is unclear to what extent these modules further organize into, and evolve as, higher-level networks. Here, we show that mammalian skull modules represent a topological network, where inter-module connectivity correlates with spatial proximity. Deviations from this general pattern are linked to evolutionary convergence. Terrestrial and aquatic species show accelerated sensory and masticatory module evolution and reduced network linkages compared to above ground species. Extreme feeding ecologies show accelerated sensory and masticatory modu

SUBMITTER: Tseng ZJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11834105 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature