Delayed trait development and the convergent evolution of shell kinesis in turtles.

ABSTRACT: Understanding developmental processes is foundational to clarifying the mechanisms by which convergent evolution occurs. Here, we show how a key convergently evolving trait is slowly 'acquired' in growing turtles. Many functionally relevant traits emerge late in turtle ontogeny, owing to design constraints imposed by the shell. We investigated this trend by examining derived patterns of shell formation associated with the multiple (at least 8) origins of shell kinesis in small-bodied turtles. Using box turtles as a model, we demonstrate that the flexible hinge joint required for shell kinesis differentiates gradually and via extensive repatterning of shell tissue. Disproportionate changes in shell shape and size substantiate that this transformation is a delayed ontogenetic response (3-5 y

SUBMITTER: Cordero GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6191694 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature