Evolutionary trends in the vertebral morphology of extant Delphinidae.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Vertebral morphology in cetaceans is linked to various functional abilities that promote ecological diversity and adaptive radiation. While morphometric studies have examined vertebral shape evolution, few have quantified evolutionary trends in a phylogenetic framework. Here, we used three-dimensional landmark configurations and phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate how the vertebral morphology of Delphinidae is influenced by phylogenetic constraints, ecological adaptation, and allometric effects and how these influences vary along the vertebral column.

Results

Phylogenetic ordination methods revealed that species with particular habitat requirements differ greatly from their closest relatives, exhibiting biomechanically advantageous vertebral shapes. A

SUBMITTER: Marchesi MC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12621417 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature