A closer look at pupil diversity and evolution in frogs and toads.

ABSTRACT: The eyes of frogs and toads (Anura) are among their most fascinating features. Although several pupil shapes have been described, the diversity, evolution, and functional role of the pupil in anurans have received little attention. Studying photographs of more than 3200 species, we surveyed pupil diversity, described their morphological variation, tested correlation with adult habits and diel activity, and discuss major evolutionary patterns considering iris anatomy and visual ecology. Our results indicate that the pupil in anurans is a highly plastic structure, with seven main pupil shapes that evolved at least 116 times during the history of the group. We found no significant correlation between pupil shape, adult habits, and diel activity, with the exception of the circular pupil and aq

SUBMITTER: Cervino NG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8370803 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature