Evolution of salamander limbs: influence of different functinal demands of larvae and adults
2014
Document Type:
Conference object (Published version)
,
© 2014 by the European Society for Evolutionary
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Show full item recordAbstract:
Salamanders have complex life cycles with a variety of life histories
and developmental modes. In general, their biphasic cycle contains an
aquatic larval form with limbs that are developing while in use and a
metamorphosed terrestrial adult form with limbs that are functional in
aquatic and terrestrial environments. The transition between two pha
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ses, metamorphosis, separates two main ontogenetic stages. Although
limbs do not undergo drastic changes through process of metamor
-
phosis, different constraints for locomotion in two main ontogenetic
stages can influence adult limb morphology. In other words, adult limb
morphology can be driven by functional demands in early life or/and by
the selection for adult limb functional traits. We examine the evolution
of limb skeletal morphologies in 18 salamander species in light of the
relative impact of history (phylogeny) and different developmental
modes and functional demands of the larvae and adults. We use phy
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logenetic comparative methods to relate limb skeletal morphometrics
to developmental modes and life history features of larvae and adults
(presence of larvae, direct development, stream-type larvae, pond-type
larvae, bottom dwellers larvae, pelagic larvae, aquatic phenology of
adults-length of aquatic phase). Results show influence of phylogeny
and higher influence of functional demands of adults comparing to
larvae on morphological evolution of limbs in salamanders.
In:
- Euro Evo Devo; 2014 Jul 22-25; Vienna, Austria. The European Society for Evolutionary; 2014. p. 223.