Mammalian forelimb evolution is driven by uneven proximal-to-distal morphological diversity.

ABSTRACT: Vertebrate limb morphology often reflects the environment due to variation in locomotor requirements. However, proximal and distal limb segments may evolve differently from one another, reflecting an anatomical gradient of functional specialization that has been suggested to be impacted by the timing of development. Here, we explore whether the temporal sequence of bone condensation predicts variation in the capacity of evolution to generate morphological diversity in proximal and distal forelimb segments across more than 600 species of mammals. Distal elements not only exhibit greater shape diversity, but also show stronger within-element integration and, on average, faster evolutionary responses than intermediate and upper limb segments. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that la

SUBMITTER: Rothier PS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9908075 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature