Burrowing Constrains the Phenotypic Diversity of Fossorial Crayfish

Integrative and Comparative Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: June 11, 2024

Synopsis Strong selective pressure on phenotype can arise when habitat transitions fundamentally alter the physical media in which animals live, such as invasion of land by lobe-finned fishes and insects. When environmental gradients differ drastically among habitats multiple lineages transition between these habitats, we expect phenotypic convergence to be prevalent. One where widespread has been observed is shift from aboveground subterranean environments fossorial animals. Subterranean are low-light, confined spaces tend hypoxic or anoxic, not mention that act burrowing itself demands morphological specializations for excavation. Research suggests promotes crayfish, with non-burrowing forms having a dorsoventrally compressed carapace long, slender claws (chelae), while primary have dorsolaterally shorter, more powerful claws. However, earlier ecomorphological comparisons relied qualitative rather than quantitative assessments differences. This study tested North American crayfishes using geometric morphometric approach. We photographed claw representative species across 13 genera. hypothesized occur similar exhibit behaviors, would converge their shapes. found evidence morphologies crayfishes. phenotypes did strongly shape, an example “imperfect” “incomplete” attribute competing form function. argue nuances characteristics, like soil type compaction, make complete unlikely range- dispersal-limited

Language: Английский

Intrapopulation variability in coloration is associated with reproductive season in the crayfish Faxonius virilis

Current Zoology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 71(2), P. 251 - 262

Published: Aug. 30, 2024

Abstract Animal coloration has a wide range of biological functions and may be subject to different, sometimes conflicting, selective pressures. In crustaceans, the evolution is relatively unstudied, despite broad colors color patterns, which includes variability at multiple levels. Freshwater crayfish are known show within species populations, as well intra-individual variability, but function, if any, largely unknown. Here, I report on an experiment understand patterns in Faxonius virilis that variation strongly correlated ontogenetic changes from summer non-reproductive form fall reproductive form. Crayfish showed comparatively little inter- their form, substantial both levels Transition was associated with development greener or bluer localized chelae subset individuals, these no clear correlation sex body size. Future investigations should focus determining whether differences between individuals mating season any physiological behavioral differences, differential susceptibility predation.

Language: Английский

Chela asymmetry and dimorphism in the red swamp crayfish <b><i>Procambarus clarkii</i></b> (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae)

Crustacean Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 52(0), P. 97 - 108

Published: Dec. 8, 2023

The red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii exhibits different sexual morphotypes (reproductive type, form I; non-reproductive II) in both sexes after reaching maturity. This species shows intra- and inter-sexual dimorphisms of chela size: the chelae are largest I males, followed by females II smallest females. Chelipeds this asymmetrical, with one being larger than other. However, little is known about degree asymmetry P. clarkii. We examined further elucidated dimorphism. Larger occurred randomly on either right or left sides. size differences between smaller were primarily small, some individuals had regenerating chelipeds. Allometric growth analyses revealed shape, males exhibiting slender wide chelae, respectively. Male clarkii’s may function as useful weapons, whereas female large also tools for constructing maintaining deeper burrows breeding.

Language: Английский