The effect of dietary adaption on cranial morphological integration in capuchins (order Primates, genus Cebus).

ABSTRACT: A fundamental challenge of morphology is to identify the underlying evolutionary and developmental mechanisms leading to correlated phenotypic characters. Patterns and magnitudes of morphological integration and their association with environmental variables are essential for understanding the evolution of complex phenotypes, yet the nature of the relevant selective pressures remains poorly understood. In this study, the adaptive significance of morphological integration was evaluated through the association between feeding mechanics, ingestive behavior and craniofacial variation. Five capuchin species were examined, Cebus apella sensu stricto, Cebus libidinosus, Cebus nigritus, Cebus olivaceus and Cebus albifrons. Twenty three-dimensional landmarks were chosen to sample facial regions exp

SUBMITTER: Makedonska J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3482247 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature