Evolutionary modularity, integration and disparity in an accretionary skeleton: analysis of venerid Bivalvia.

ABSTRACT: Modular evolution, the relatively independent evolution of body parts, may promote high morphological disparity in a clade. Conversely, integrated evolution via stronger covariation of parts may limit disparity. However, integration can also promote high disparity by channelling morphological evolution along lines of least resistance-a process that may be particularly important in the accumulation of disparity in the many invertebrate systems having accretionary growth. We use a time-calibrated phylogenetic hypothesis and high-density, three-dimensional semilandmarking to analyse the relationship between modularity, integration and disparity in the most diverse extant bivalve family: the Veneridae. In general, venerids have a simple, two-module parcellation of their body that is divided in

SUBMITTER: Edie SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8767195 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature