Heterochrony in the evolution of Trinidadian guppy offspring size: maturation along a uniform ontogenetic trajectory.

ABSTRACT: The size and maturity of Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) offspring vary among populations adapted to environments of differential predation. Guppy offspring born to low-predation, high-competition environments are larger and more mature than their high-predation ancestors. Here we ask: what specific changes in developmental or birth timing occur to produce the larger, more mature neonates? We collected specimens across the perinatal window of development from five populations and quantified musculoskeletal maturation. We found that all populations undergo similar ontogenetic trajectories in skeletal and muscle acquisition; the only difference among populations is when neonates emerge along the trajectory. The smallest neonates are born with 20% of their skeleton ossified, whereas t

SUBMITTER: Dial TR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5647296 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature