Does evolution of echolocation calls and morphology in Molossus result from convergence or stasis?

ABSTRACT: Although many processes of diversification have been described to explain variation of morphological traits within clades that have obvious differentiation among taxa, not much is known about these patterns in complexes of cryptic species. Molossus is a genus of bats that is mainly Neotropical, occurring from the southeastern United States to southern Argentina, including the Caribbean islands. Molossus comprises some groups of species that are morphologically similar but phylogenetically divergent, and other groups of species that are genetically similar but morphologically distinct. This contrast allows investigation of unequal trait diversification and the evolution of morphological and behavioural characters. In this study, we assessed the role of phylogenetic history in a genus of bat

SUBMITTER: Loureiro LO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7514107 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature