Get a grip-evolution of claw shape in relation to microhabitat use in intertidal arthropods (Acari, Oribatida).

ABSTRACT: Claws may be the most common biological attachment devices in animals but relatively few studies have examined the ecological and evolutionary significance of their morphology. We performed the first geometric morphometric investigation of arthropod claws using 15 intertidal oribatid mite species from two different families living in three different habitat types to determine if claw shape is correlated with ecology. Our results show that species living on rocky shores show remarkably high and strongly curved claws while species from mangrove habitats show significantly lower and less curved claws. Euryoecious species are able to dwell in a wide range of habitats and show an intermediate claw type. These results indicate a strong relationship between claw shape and microhabitat and the bes

SUBMITTER: Pfingstl T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7024575 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature