Trait decoupling promotes evolutionary diversification of the trophic and acoustic system of damselfishes.

ABSTRACT: Trait decoupling, wherein evolutionary release of constraints permits specialization of formerly integrated structures, represents a major conceptual framework for interpreting patterns of organismal diversity. However, few empirical tests of this hypothesis exist. A central prediction, that the tempo of morphological evolution and ecological diversification should increase following decoupling events, remains inadequately tested. In damselfishes (Pomacentridae), a ceratomandibular ligament links the hyoid bar and lower jaws, coupling two main morphofunctional units directly involved in both feeding and sound production. Here, we test the decoupling hypothesis by examining the evolutionary consequences of the loss of the ceratomandibular ligament in multiple damselfish lineages. As predict

SUBMITTER: Frederich B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4100519 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature