Convergent evolution in Afrotheria and non-afrotherians demonstrates high evolvability of the mammalian inner ear
- Author(s)
- Nicole Grunstra, Fabian Hollinetz, Guillermo Bravo Morante, Frank Zachos, Cathrin Pfaff, Viola Winkler, Philipp Mitteroecker, Anne Le Maitre
- Abstract
Evolutionary convergence in distantly related species is among the most convincing evidence of adaptive evolution. The mammalian ear, responsible for balance and hearing, is not only characterised by its spectacular evolutionary incorporation of several bones of the jaw, it also varies considerably in shape across modern mammals. Using a new multivariate approach, we show that in Afrotheria, a monophyletic clade with morphologically and ecologically highly disparate species, inner ear shape evolved similar adaptations as in non-afrotherian mammals. We identified four trait combinations that underlie this convergence. The high evolvability of the mammalian ear is surprising: nowhere else in the skeleton are different functional units so close together; it includes the smallest bones of the skeleton, and is encapsulated within the densest bone. We suggest that this evolvability is a direct consequence of the increased genetic and developmental complexity of the mammalian ear compared to other vertebrates.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Department of Neuroscience and Developmental Biology, Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Palaeontology
- External organisation(s)
- Université de Poitiers, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHM)
- Journal
- Nature Communications
- Volume
- 15
- ISSN
- 2041-1723
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3125661/v1
- Publication date
- 09-2024
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 106012 Evolutionary research, 106047 Animal ecology
- Keywords
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/63c65f6e-41fd-476a-816f-8a2d88f936b6