The evolution of positive allometry and exaggerated traits in a diverse beetle clade

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(5), P. 1265 - 1283

Published: Feb. 22, 2024

Abstract Understanding variation in trait allometry and the drivers of sexually selected traits is a major theme evolutionary biology. The static allometries are often positive due to disproportional investment by large individuals into size. Comparative studies weapon rare, typically focus on along single dimension (e.g. length), despite weapons diverging dramatically shape. Furthermore, predominantly groups where have evolved as novel structures horns), most arising from modifications existing structures. We test hypothesis that sexual selection drives using phylogenetic comparative approach with 59 brentine weevil species showing remarkable exaggeration size dimorphism (SSD). Contrasting two dimensions head (a trait) elytron length nonsexual trait), was common across both measures male size, but not females, there covariance between SSD species. Positive for less common, did show SSD, possibly function wings compensatory bearing weapons. Our findings support evolution within among species, modification be used does limit potential allometry. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Shaping up: Morphometric approaches to understanding insect behavioural ecology and ecomorphology

Elsevier eBooks, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 391 - 416

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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The prevalence of weapon damage: a proportional meta-analysis

Animal Behaviour, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 222, P. 123117 - 123117

Published: March 17, 2025

Language: Английский

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Pre‐Copulatory Sexual Selection Predicts Sexual Size Dimorphism: A Meta‐Analysis of Comparative Studies

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(9)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Size differences between males and females are common across the tree of life (termed sexual size dimorphism; SSD), have fundamental implications for ecology, history behaviour both sexes. Conventionally, SSD is thought to evolve in response sex-specific selection but more recent work suggests that ecological processes can also promote sex-differences size. Here, we provide a global test role evolution dimorphism using data from 77 comparative studies spanning major classes animal kingdom. We show intense typically correlates with male-biased species. Importantly, pre-copulatory not post-copulatory predicts SSD, suggesting pervasive premating male-male competition female choice drive sex body Collectively, our findings suggest plays SSD.

Language: Английский

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Are allometric model parameters of aboveground biomass for trees phylogenetically constrained?

Plant Diversity, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 45(2), P. 229 - 233

Published: Dec. 2, 2022

Knowledge of which biological and functional traits have, or lack, phylogenetic signal in a particular group organisms is important to understanding the formation functioning communities. Allometric biomass models reflecting tree growth characteristics are commonly used predict forest biomass. However, few studies have examined whether model parameters constrained by phylogeny. Here, we use comprehensive database (including 276 species) compiled from 894 allometric published 302 articles examine b

Language: Английский

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Male crayfish (Faxonius obscurus, Decapoda: Cambaridae) claws are longer and stronger yet comparable in shape during the reproductive season

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 139(1), P. 57 - 69

Published: March 31, 2023

Abstract Animal weapons are diverse and often exaggerated structures associated with sexual selection male–male combat. Despite their diversity, our knowledge of these comes primarily from studies that focus on the size neglect other components, such as shape or performance. Furthermore, can exhibit species-level plasticity based nutrition ecological variables, but few have documented seasonal variation in weapon plasticity. Here, we investigate how size, performance differ across adult male reproductive non-reproductive Allegheny crayfish, Faxonius obscurus. Given F. obscurus cambarid crayfishes cyclical moulting between states, they provide an ideal system which to questions. We found claws all three components investigated; males were longer, stronger different compared males. Wielding longer is likely confer greater competitive success during mating season, demonstrates unexplored pattern discuss results considering seasonality phenotypes propose several avenues future research using crayfish a model system.

Language: Английский

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Weapon morphology and performance predict fighting outcomes in the giant mesquite bug, Pachylis neocalifornicus

Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 139(3), P. 286 - 293

Published: June 10, 2023

Abstract Many animals engage in direct competition with other members of their species over access to resources. Winning such contests often increases an individual’s fitness. Thus, it is important understand which factors determine contest outcomes. In weapon-bearing species, body size and weapon have been reported be predictors fighting success. However, unclear if one trait a better predictor success compared the other. Additionally, there are mixed results as whether performance measurements (e.g. force output weapon) than linear size). this study, we randomly paired 124 Pachylis neocalifornicus (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coreidae) males territorial interactions investigate differences size, or best predict We found that outcomes size. did not find clear evidence at predicting winners, suggested recent meta-analysis. These highlight importance encourage future studies continue investigating how non-size related traits performance) influence

Language: Английский

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Morphological and functional analyses for investigation of sexually selected legs in the frog legged beetle Sagra femorata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Arthropod Structure & Development, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 80, P. 101360 - 101360

Published: May 1, 2024

Language: Английский

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Commentary: The ecological and evolutionary implications of allometry

Evolutionary Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 36(4), P. 431 - 437

Published: July 28, 2022

Language: Английский

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Just a matter of size? Evaluating allometry and intersexual heterometry in Pagurus bernhardus using ratios and indices (Decapoda, Anomura)

Integrative Zoology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 19(5), P. 807 - 823

Published: Dec. 20, 2023

Heterochely denotes the presence of dissimilarly sized chelipeds on opposite sides body, a prevalent occurrence in diverse crustaceans. Conversely, heterometry pertains to quantifiable disparities size between these chelipeds. Both hold pivotal roles activities such as foraging, mating, and defense. Consequently, individuals both genders heterochelic species exhibit this morphological pattern. Previous studies have identified sexual dimorphism cheliped size, with males displaying larger major compared females, albeit solely relying propodus length proxy focusing cheliped. In our study, we meticulously examined 190 specimens common European hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus from two collections. We sought elucidate allometric relationships assess whether exhibited sex-based differences when adjusting for body by using ratios. Our findings revealed that male displayed hyperallometric growth relative all three calculated indices significant sexes. minor chelipeds, even theoretically matched females. This phenomenon may be attributed, among other factors, male-male contests. Should indirect mate selection favor proportion their dynamic could potentiate favor.

Language: Английский

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