Challenges and advances in measuring phenotypic convergence

Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 78(8), P. 1355 - 1371

Published: May 20, 2024

Abstract Tests of phenotypic convergence can provide evidence adaptive evolution, and the popularity such studies has grown in recent years due to development novel, quantitative methods for identifying measuring convergence. These include commonly applied C1–C4 measures Stayton (2015a), which measure morphological distances between lineages, Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) model-fitting analyses, test whether lineages converged on shared peaks. We performance C-measures other under various evolutionary scenarios reveal a critical issue with C-measures: they often misidentify divergent as convergent. address this by developing novel measures—Ct1–Ct4-measures—that calculate at specific points time, minimizing possibility misidentifying taxa Ct-measures are most appropriate when focal same or similar geologic ages (e.g., extant taxa), meaning that lineages’ histories considerable overlap time. Beyond C-measures, we find all influenced position space, outliers statistically more likely be measured strongly Further, mimic researchers assess using OU models priori regime assignments classifying ecological traits) multiple-regime phenotypically assigned selective outperform simpler models. This highlights model support these should not assumed always reflect among regime. Our new Ct1–Ct4-measures an improved comparative tool, but emphasize available imperfect, recognize limitations use multiple lines hypotheses.

Language: Английский

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Different selection regimes explain morphological evolution in fossorial lizards

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 38(5), P. 1250 - 1264

Published: March 31, 2024

Abstract Independent origins of similar phenotypes are ubiquitous to the evolutionary process and evoke strong recurrent environmental associations. Snakelike lizards evolved multiple times often portrayed as limb‐reduced body‐elongated outcomes from shared selection associated with fossoriality. However, a refined evaluation including specific head traits subtle differences in subterranean microhabitats unveils some degree uniqueness even among lineages traditionally interpreted phenotypically similar. Here, we address regimes fossorial accounting for burrowing substrate emphasizing shape addition body limbs. We assembled an ecomorphological database comprising 213 species all major lizard clades, then characterized contemporary morphological diversity modelled phenotypic evolution test hypothesis that fossoriality encompasses at least two distinct regimes. identified groups within lizards: moist‐soil dry‐soil fossorial. Both towards adaptive optima concerning limb size. Despite uniqueness, these also share patterns traits. Dry‐soil present less variation than fossorial, possibly due combination sets selective pressures ancestry. Our study provides evidence often‐interpreted general regime (e.g. fossoriality) may fact comprise enough ecological functional elicit several associations despite overall convergence Read free Plain Language Summary this article on Journal blog.

Language: Английский

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Resource availability and disturbance frequency shape evolution of plant life forms in Neotropical habitats

New Phytologist, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 242(2), P. 760 - 773

Published: Feb. 21, 2024

Organisms use diverse strategies to thrive in varying habitats. While life history theory partly explains these relationships, the combined impact of resource availability and disturbance frequency on form strategy evolution has received limited attention. We Chamaecrista species, a legume plant lineage with high diversity forms Neotropics, employ ecological niche modeling comparative phylogenetic methods examine correlated environmental niches. Chamaephytes phanerophytes have optima environments characterized by moderate water nutrient coupled infrequent fire disturbances. By contrast, annual plants scarce nutrients, alongside frequent Similarly, geophyte species also show increased resistance disturbances, although they resource-rich environments. Our findings shed light along gradients, highlighting that annuals geophytes respond differently incidences one enduring it as seeds resource-limited habitat other relying reserves root resprouting systems resource-abundant Furthermore, deepens our understanding how organisms evolve associated their habitats, emphasizing constraint posed low-resource high-disturbance

Language: Английский

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Diversity and evolution of cerebellar folding in mammals

eLife, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Sept. 22, 2023

The process of brain folding is thought to play an important role in the development and organisation cerebrum cerebellum. study cerebellar challenging due small size abundance its folia. In consequence, little known about anatomical diversity evolution. We constituted open collection histological data from 56 mammalian species manually segmented developed methods measure geometry folia estimate thickness molecular layer. used phylogenetic comparative evolution relationship with anatomy cerebrum. Our results show that cerebral follows a stabilising selection process. observed two groups phenotypes changing concertedly through evolution: group 'diverse' - varying over several orders magnitude together body size, 'stable' less than 1 order across species. analyses confirmed strong correlation between volumes species, showed addition large cerebella are disproportionately more folded smaller ones. Compared extreme variations surface area, folial layer varied only slightly, showing much increase larger cerebella. discuss how these findings could provide new insights into folding, mechanisms their potential influence on

Language: Английский

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Evaluating the Performance of Widely Used Phylogenetic Models for Gene Expression Evolution

Genome Biology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(12)

Published: Nov. 24, 2023

Abstract Phylogenetic comparative methods are increasingly used to test hypotheses about the evolutionary processes that drive divergence in gene expression among species. However, it is unknown whether distributional assumptions of phylogenetic models designed for quantitative phenotypic traits realistic data and importantly, reliability conclusions studies may depend on well described by chosen model. To evaluate this, we first fit several trait evolution 8 previously published datasets, comprising a total 54,774 genes with 145,927 unique gene–tissue combinations. Using developed approach, then assessed how best model set an absolute (not just relative) sense. First, find Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models, which values constrained around optimum, were preferred 66% Second, 61% combinations, best-fit was found perform well; rest be performing poorly at least one statistics examined. Third, when simple do not well, this appears typically consequence failing fully account heterogeneity rate evolution. We advocate assessment performance should become routine component studies; doing so can improve inferences inspire development novel models.

Language: Английский

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PhyBaSE: A Bayesian structural equation model approach to causal inference in phylogenetic comparative analyses

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 29, 2025

Abstract One of the main limitations phylogenetic comparative analyses is that associations between traits can only be interpreted as correlations. Here, we present a novel Bayesian structural equation model (PhyBaSE) which allows us to disentangle direct from indirect relationships among variables propose potential causal hypotheses while accounting for non‐independence. Compared with existing maximum‐likelihood based approach, PhyBaSE models are more flexible, allowing inclusion trait and uncertainty, well non‐continuous variables. To facilitate application method, provide worked examples, data code. We exemplify method both simulated empirical data. Our indicate have higher power than classic Phylogenetic Path Analysis discriminate competing models. As an example using data, revisit different proposed explain relationship relative brain size group in Bovids. results challenge previously supported social hypothesis support allometric effect body on life span, predicted by cognitive buffer hypothesis. The flexibility will allow researchers explore complex evolution behavioural, ecological history at macroevolutionary level how these linked anthropogenic drivers biodiversity loss extinction, taking full advantage increasing number publicly available species‐specific datasets.

Language: Английский

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Identification of the mode of evolution in incomplete carbonate successions

BMC Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 24(1)

Published: Aug. 23, 2024

Abstract Background The fossil record provides the unique opportunity to observe evolution over millions of years, but is known be incomplete. While incompleteness varies spatially and hard estimate for empirical sections, computer simulations geological processes can used examine effects in silico . We combine different modes (stasis, (un)biased random walks) with deposition carbonate platforms strata how well mode recovered from time series, test results vary between positions platform multiple stratigraphic architectures generated by sea level curves. Results Stratigraphic architecture position along an onshore-offshore gradient has only a small influence on statistical tests. For walks, support correct decreases series length. Visual examination trait lineages shows that rather than incompleteness, maximum hiatus duration determines much differ original evolutionary process. Gradual directional more susceptible effects, turning it into punctuated evolution. In contrast, stasis remains unaffected. Conclusions • Fossil favor recognition both complex, Not presence rare, prolonged gaps largest effect This suggests incomplete sections regular frequency durations potentially preserve history without major biases. Understanding external controls such as fluctuations crucial distinguishing genuine

Language: Английский

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Mutualisms drive plant trait evolution beyond interaction‐related traits

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Mutualisms have driven the evolution of extraordinary structures and behavioural traits, but their impact on traits beyond those directly involved in interaction remains unclear. We addressed this gap using a highly evolutionarily replicated system - epiphytes Rubiaceae forming symbioses with ants. employed models that allow us to test influence discrete mutualistic continuous non-mutualistic traits. Our findings are consistent mutualism shaping pace morphological evolution, strength selection long-term mean function dependency. While specialised obligate mutualisms associated slower trait change, less intimate, facultative generalist interactions which most common greater evolution. These results challenge prevailing notion solely affect interaction-related via stabilizing instead demonstrate broader role for

Language: Английский

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Evolutionary trends in the elasmobranch neurocranium

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: May 20, 2024

Abstract The neurocranium (braincase) is one of the defining vertebrate characters. Housing brain and other key sensory organs, articulating with jaws contributing to shape anteriormost portion body, braincase undoubtedly great functional importance. Through studying relationships between ecology we can gain an improved understanding form-function in extant fossil taxa. Elasmobranchii (sharks rays) represent important case study diversity as their simplified somewhat decoupled from components cranium relative vertebrates. Little known about associations this clade. In report patterns mosaic cranial evolution that differ significantly those present clades. degree evolutionary modularity also differs Selachii Batoidea. both cases innovation jaw suspension appears have driven shifts integration modularity, subsequently facilitating ecological diversification. Our results confirm importance water depth biogeography drivers elasmobranch indicate skeletal articulation represents a major constraint upon

Language: Английский

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Reduced evolutionary constraint accompanies ongoing radiation in deep-sea anglerfishes

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 27, 2024

Language: Английский

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