Heterochrony repolarized: a phylogenetic analysis of developmental timing in plethodontid salamanders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Disentangling evolutionary shifts in developmental timing (heterochony) is dependent upon accurate estimates of ancestral patterns. However, many classic assessments of heterochronic patterns predate robust phylogenetic hypotheses and methods for trait reconstruction, and therefore may have been polarized with untested 'primitive' conditions. Here we revisit the heterochronic modes of development that underlie the evolution of metamorphosis, maturation, and paedomorphosis in plethodontid salamanders. We focus on the tribe Spelerpini, which is a diverse clade that exhibits tremendous variation in timing of metamorphosis and maturation, as well as multiple independent instances of larval form paedomorphosis. Based on morphology and biogeography, early investigators conclud

SUBMITTER: Bonett RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4169133 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature