Testing hypotheses of marsupial brain size variation using phylogenetic multiple imputations and a Bayesian comparative framework.

ABSTRACT: Considerable controversy exists about which hypotheses and variables best explain mammalian brain size variation. We use a new, high-coverage dataset of marsupial brain and body sizes, and the first phylogenetically imputed full datasets of 16 predictor variables, to model the prevalent hypotheses explaining brain size evolution using phylogenetically corrected Bayesian generalized linear mixed-effects modelling. Despite this comprehensive analysis, litter size emerges as the only significant predictor. Marsupials differ from the more frequently studied placentals in displaying a much lower diversity of reproductive traits, which are known to interact extensively with many behavioural and ecological predictors of brain size. Our results therefore suggest that studies of relative brain size

SUBMITTER: Todorov OS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8059968 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature