Although there were many ancient Chinese mathematicians contributed a lot on geometry, Geometric morphometrics （GM） in modern concept was not firstly proposed by Chinese. The super capability of geometric morphometr...Although there were many ancient Chinese mathematicians contributed a lot on geometry, Geometric morphometrics （GM） in modern concept was not firstly proposed by Chinese. The super capability of geometric morphometries in scientific computing and problem solving has gained a lot of attentions in the world. Until early of 21 centuries, geometric morphometries was introduced into China. Since then, GM was rapidly applied in many research fields. However, it is a pity that GM is still not well-known in China as many works are published out of China. Thus, the special issue ＂Geometric morphometrics： Current shape and future directions＂ is organized. The present issue presents a series of contributions in this scientific field. In future, there will be many considerable new developing fields on GM needed to pay more attentions, for instances, 3D geometric morphometrics, 4D analysis, visualization of amber, new machine developing, new software developing, automatic identification system, etc. Once these technical bottle-necks on 3D data collecting and merging geometric morphometric data from multiple characters could be solved, the automatic identification system and other fields based on Big Data would come true.展开更多
As a more efficient quantitative method for morphological analysis, geometric morphometrics is applied to the flabellate fossils Flabellophyton including Flabellophyton lantianensis and Flabellophyton strigata from Ne...As a more efficient quantitative method for morphological analysis, geometric morphometrics is applied to the flabellate fossils Flabellophyton including Flabellophyton lantianensis and Flabellophyton strigata from Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Lantian biota, South China. Both traditional morphometric analysis （including diverging angle, length, and width distribution） and geometric morphometric analysis [including superposition of normalized area analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling （n-MDS）, Bray-Curtis similarity cluster analysis （CLUSTER） and analysis of similarities （ANOSIM）[ were performed. The results indicate there are great interspecific morphological differences between F. lantianensis and F. strigata, in addition to some intraspecific variations within each species. Here we preliminarily suggest that the previously defined Flabellophyton should be subdivided into 2 genera at least： one marked by the dark transverse striated structure, and the other without. This recharacterization and reclassification work still needs further careful observation and comprehensive analysis with large number of flabeilate fossils combining morphology, structure, population, and community-ecology study.展开更多
The mammalian family Bovidae has been widely studied in ecomorphological research,with important applications to paleoecological and paleohabitat reconstructions.Most studies of bovid craniomandibular features in rela...The mammalian family Bovidae has been widely studied in ecomorphological research,with important applications to paleoecological and paleohabitat reconstructions.Most studies of bovid craniomandibular features in relation to diet have used linear measurements.In this study,we conduct landmark-based geometric-morphometric analyses to evaluate whether different dietary groups can be distinguished by mandibular morphology.Our analysis includes data for 100 species of extant bovids,covering all bovid tribes and 2 dietary classifications.For the first classification with 3 feeding categories,we found that browsers(including frugivores),mixed feeders,and grazers are moderately well separated using mandibular shape.A finer dietary classification(frugivore,browser,browser-grazer intermediate,generalist,variable grazer,and obligate grazer)proved to be more useful for differentiating dietary extremes(frugivores and obligate grazers)but performed equally or less well for other groups.Notably,frugivorous bovids,which belong in tribe Cephalophini,have a distinct mandibular shape that is readily distinguished from all other dietary groups,yielding a 100%correct classification rate from jackknife cross-validation.The main differences in mandibular shape found among dietary groups are related to the functional needs of species during forage prehension and mastication.Compared with browsers,both frugivores and grazers have mandibles that are adapted for higher biomechanical demand of chewing.Additionally,frugivore mandibles are adapted for selective cropping.Our results call for more work on the feeding ecology and functional morphology of frugivores and offer an approach for reconstructing the diet of extinct bovids.展开更多
The scope of shape analysis based on geometric morphometrics has evolved into underscoring complex patterns of multidimensional shape change with multivariate statistical modelling （e.g., allometry, morphological int...The scope of shape analysis based on geometric morphometrics has evolved into underscoring complex patterns of multidimensional shape change with multivariate statistical modelling （e.g., allometry, morphological integration, etc.）. Such breakthrough was made possible because the method relies on a consistent comparative reference system to compare shapes, the latter which is computed using the Cartesian coordinates of homologous landmarks. It has been shown elsewhere that traditional comparative reference systems based on anatomy, and oriented in stereotyped postures, such as the Frankfurt plane at rest, the Lateral Semicircular Canal when the animal is in alert, or the cranial floor when the animal is flying, are all inconsistent for anatomical comparisons. They vary too much and unpredictably across species. An extraordinary example of the problems that can arise in descriptive and comparative anatomy when using such reference systems is the traditional interpretation of the head of the Woodcock. Anywhere in literature it is written that the eyes of this gamebird are oriented backwards to protect itself from predators. Here, using geometric morphometrics it is demonstrated that the woodcock＇s skull is highly transformed, yet following a normal trend among birds. In turn, using GM it is demonstrated that the collective wisdom about this oddity is simply the result of interpreting the anatomy of its skull using unreliable reference systems.展开更多
The morphological differences between two geographical maps can be highlighted by a polycentric distance cartogram resulting from a bidimensional regression.Beyond the communicational interest of the transformations t...The morphological differences between two geographical maps can be highlighted by a polycentric distance cartogram resulting from a bidimensional regression.Beyond the communicational interest of the transformations thus produced,the method makes it possible to reveal the differences in structure and therefore constitutes a real research tool.However,bidimensional regression can only compare the shape of two maps.Since the 1990s,geometric morphometrics has revolutionized the morphological analysis of natural structures(and others).It has since been applied in many fields of research but not in cartography.This article describes the theoretical and methodological bases of a method combining bidimensional regression with a geometric morphometrics approach to compare the shape of several geographical maps.Geometric morphometrics and bidimensional regression indeed share common approaches of the statistical shape analysis like homologous landmarks and interpolation grids.However,there is no software in geometric morphometrics capable of directly reading geographical data,which would facilitate the work of cartographers accustomed to GIS software.That is why we present MapMorphy,a tool specifically developed for this task.An example on ancient maps illustrates the method.展开更多
A relatively well-preserved rodent fossil,including its incisors,cheek teeth,and postcranial skeleton,was collected from the Baiyin Obo in Siziwang Banner,Nei Mongol.A multifaceted research approach was undertaken in ...A relatively well-preserved rodent fossil,including its incisors,cheek teeth,and postcranial skeleton,was collected from the Baiyin Obo in Siziwang Banner,Nei Mongol.A multifaceted research approach was undertaken in this study to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the newly discovered specimen.Based on a morphological comparison,the new specimen was identified as Hulgana cf.H.ertnia within the Ischyromyidae family.Incisive enamel microstructure analysis revealed the typical pauciserial enamel structure of Hulgana.Bone histological analysis indicates that the specimen represents a juvenile individual,which is consistent with the ontogenetic stage indicated by dental developmental stage and wear pattern.The application of geometric morphometrics to the calcaneus and bone histology of the femur and phalanx further substantiates the taxonomic classification of Hulgana as a terrestrial and cursorial rodent,exhibiting a degree of fossorial ability.This classification is analogous to that of certain extant cricetids and ground squirrels.展开更多
Insects are suitable model organisms for functional morphology research,especially in the context of exaptation,when the same morphological trait represents an advantage in disparate niches.Phylogenetically distant gr...Insects are suitable model organisms for functional morphology research,especially in the context of exaptation,when the same morphological trait represents an advantage in disparate niches.Phylogenetically distant groups of pygmy grasshoppers(Orthoptera:Tetrigidae)have various pronotal projections defining their general appearance and body shape.However,body shape has never been related to niche occupation in these insects,thus the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between pronotum shape and macrohabitat adaptation in Scelimeninae,a group of Asian and Papuan tetrigids encompassing amphibious and corticolous(bark-dwelling)representatives.With the use of geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods,two morphological and functional groups were distinguished,with the body shape exhibiting a significant phylogenetic signal.The first group consists of elongated amphibious taxa(Scelimenini tribe)with highly uniform pronotum morphology,likely due to a strong selection for streamlined body shape.Stouter corticolous taxa(Discotettigini tribe)exhibit more conspicuous body shape variability,possibly increasing camouflage efficiency in tree bark habitats.Ecological divergence associated with macrohabitat adaptation may thus have been the primary driver of speciation in this insect group,but the evolutionary constraints leading to this divergence are still to be identified.展开更多
The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf ...The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson and Quercus spinosa David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains(HHM), employing genetic assignment as a priori. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that Q. aquifolioides, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, Q. spinosa, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.展开更多
The genus Eysarcoris can be easily distinguished from other genera through the two spots in the basal angle of the scutellum. Nevertheless, Eysarcoris species show complex variances. Geometric morphometric methods hav...The genus Eysarcoris can be easily distinguished from other genera through the two spots in the basal angle of the scutellum. Nevertheless, Eysarcoris species show complex variances. Geometric morphometric methods have been increasingly applied to distinguish species and to define the boundary of genera among insects. In the present study, geometric morphometric approach was firstly employed to evaluate the shape variation of three characters （fore wing, hind wing and pygophore） of E. guttiger, E. annamita and E. ventralis using E. aeneus as outgroup to ascertain whether this approach is a reliable method for the taxonomy of Eysarcoris. Analysis was conducted on the landmarks of the three characters of these species. Multivariate regression of procrustes coordinates against centroid size was conducted to test the presence of allometry. Principal component analysis （PCA）, canonical variate analysis （CVA） and cluster analysis were utilized to describe variations in shapes among the studied species. For all of the three characters, though PCA analysis showed some overlap among species, p-values for procrustes distance and mahalanobis distance were all less than 0.0001. The distribution of the three studied species corresponds with their species status. This study demonstrates that the geometric morphometrics of both the fore wing and the hind wing might represent a possible tool for the identification of species within this genus.展开更多
Geometric morphometrics （GM） is an important method of shape analysis and increasingly used in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Presently, a single character comparison system of geometric morphometric data i...Geometric morphometrics （GM） is an important method of shape analysis and increasingly used in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Presently, a single character comparison system of geometric morphometric data is used in almost all empirical studies, and this approach is sufficient for many scientific problems. However, the estimation of overall similarity among taxa or objects based on multiple characters is crucial in a variety of contexts （e.g. （semi-）automated identification, phenetic relationships, tracing of character evolution, phylogenetic reconstruction）. Here we propose a new web-based tool for merging several geometric morphometrics data files from multiple characters into a single data file. Using this approach information from multiple characters can be compared in combination and an overall similarity estimate can be obtained in a convenient and geometrically rigorous manner. To illustrate our method, we provide an example analysis of 25 dung beetle species with seven Procrustes superimposed landmark data files representing the morphological variation of body features： the epipharynx, right mandible, pronotum, elytra, hindwing, and the metendosternite in dorsal and lateral view. All seven files were merged into a single one containing information on 649 landmark locations. The possible applications of such merged data files in different fields of science are discussed.展开更多
To compare the application of traditional morphometric methods(TMMs)and geometric morphometric methods(GMMs)in the study of intraspecific leaf morphological characters of Quercus dentata,fifteen linear measurement ind...To compare the application of traditional morphometric methods(TMMs)and geometric morphometric methods(GMMs)in the study of intraspecific leaf morphological characters of Quercus dentata,fifteen linear measurement indices and thirteen landmarks of leaves were used to study leaf morphology of three provenances(H1,H2,and H3).In TMMs,principal component analysis(PCA)showed that leaf size–related indices played an important role in population classification.Partial least square(PLS)analysis showed that the main morphological characters affecting leaf size were the average depth of the lobes and the length–width ratios.However,the important indices to distinguish the provenances were circularity,leaf width,and length–width ratio.The results of discriminant analysis(DA)showed that 74.0%of H1,68.0%of H2,and 74.0%of H3 were correctly classified.Cluster analysis showed that the Mahalanobis distances between H1 and H2,H1 and H3,and H2 and H3 were 4.3761,11.4629,and 10.2067,respectively.In GMMs,PCA based on symmetrical components showed that the difference in leaf morphology was mainly due to the changing trend of the leaf apex and base,petiole length,and degree of leaf cracking.PLS analysis showed that there was a significant covariation between the leaf symmetrical components and size:as the leaf enlarged,the widest part gradually moved up,and the shape changed from nearly oval to lanceolate.DA results showed that 86.0%and 78.0%of H1 and H2,70.0%and 80.0%of H1 and H3,and 82.0%and 76.0%of H2 and H3 were correctly classified.Canonical variate analysis results showed that the Mahalanobis distances between H1 and H2,H1 and H3,and H2 and H3 were 1.7238,1.5380,and 1.6329,respectively.Both GMMs and TMMs showed significant differences in morphology among the three Q.dentata provenances,but GMMs had higher classification accuracy and could provide more information about leaf shape,whereas TMMs could provide more information about leaf size.Based on our results,GMMs are promising in the study of leaf morphological variation within Q.dentata provenances.展开更多
The aim of this study was to compare mandibular form （i.e., size and shape） between patients with agenesis of the lower second premolar （P2） and a control group with no agenesis. Three hypotheses were tested： （H...The aim of this study was to compare mandibular form （i.e., size and shape） between patients with agenesis of the lower second premolar （P2） and a control group with no agenesis. Three hypotheses were tested： （H1） agenesis causes a change in mandibular morphology because of inadequate alveolar ridge development in the area of the missing tooth （mandibular plasticity）; （H2） agenesis is caused by spatial limitations within the mandible （dental plasticity）; and （H3） common genetic/ epigenetic factors cause agenesis and affect mandibular form （pleiotropy）. A geometric morphometric analysis was applied to cross-sectional images of computed tomography （CT） scans of three matched groups （n= 50 each）： （1） regularly erupted P2; （2） agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar in situ; and （3） agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar missing for 〉3 months. Cross-sections of the three areas of interest （first premolar, P2, first molar） were digitized with 23 landmarks and superimposed by a generalized Procrustes analysis. On average, the mandibular cross-sections were narrower and shorter in patients with P2 agenesis compared with that in the control group. Both agenesis groups featured a pronounced submandibular fossa. These differences extended at least one tooth beyond the agenesis-affected region. Taken together with the large interindividual variation that resulted in massively overlapping group distributions, these findings support genetic and/or epigenetic pleiotropy （H3） as the most likely origin of the observed covariation between mandibular form and odontogenesis. Clinically, reduced dimensions and greater variability of mandibular form, as well as a pronounced submandibular fossa, should be expected during the treatment planning of patients with P2 agenesis.展开更多
Sexual selection is considered the major cause of sexual dimorphism, but recent observations suggest that natural selection may play a more important role in the evolution of sex differentiation than previously recogn...Sexual selection is considered the major cause of sexual dimorphism, but recent observations suggest that natural selection may play a more important role in the evolution of sex differentiation than previously recognized. Therefore, studying the trade-offs between natural selection and sexual selection is crucial to a better understanding of the ecology underlying the evolution of sexual dimorphism. The freshwater blenny Salaria fluviatilis, a fish inhabiting lakes and rivers around the Mediterranean Sea, displays strong sexual dimorphism in size, shape, and behavior （i.e., larger body and head size for males and higher swimming requirements for females during the reproductive period）. We tested for differences in sexual dimorphism in size and shape between the populations from lake and river habitats with the goal of identifying the trade-offs between natural and sexual se- lection that underlie variations in sexual dimorphism in this species. Our results show i） differences in sexual size dimorphism （SSizeD） in accordance to Rensch＇s rule （i.e., larger individuals in rivers associated with higher SSizeD）, and ii） a decrease in shape differentiation between males and fe- males in lake populations. Together, this suggests that the different environmental conditions between lake and river habitats （e.g., resource limitations, predation pressure, water velocity） affect the relative importance of sexual selection in the display of sexual dimorphism within the species. This study highlights the importance of considering the environmental conditions to which populations are exposed to better understand the ecology underlying the evolution of sexual dimorphism.展开更多
Phenotypic plasticity is often an adaptation of organisms to cope with temporally or spatially heter- ogenous landscapes. Like other adaptations, one would predict that different species, populations, or sexes might t...Phenotypic plasticity is often an adaptation of organisms to cope with temporally or spatially heter- ogenous landscapes. Like other adaptations, one would predict that different species, populations, or sexes might thus show some degree of parallel evolution of plasticity, in the form of parallel reaction norms, when exposed to analogous environmental gradients. Indeed, one might even ex- pect parallelism of plasticity to repeatedly evolve in multiple traits responding to the same gradi- ent, resulting in integrated parallelism of plasticity. In this study, we experimentally tested for paral- lel patterns of predator-mediated plasticity of size, shape, and behavior of 2 species and sexes of mosquitofish. Examination of behavioral trials indicated that the 2 species showed unique patterns of behavioral plasticity, whereas the 2 sexes in each species showed parallel responses. Fish shape showed parallel patterns of plasticity for both sexes and species, albeit males showed evidence of unique plasticity related to reproductive anatomy. Moreover, patterns of shape plasticity due to predator exposure were broadly parallel to what has been depicted for predator-mediated popula- tion divergence in other studies （slender bodies, expanded caudal regions, ventrally located eyes, and reduced male gonopodia）. We did not find evidence of phenotypic plasticity in fish size for ei- ther species or sex. Hence, our findings support broadly integrated parallelism of plasticity for sexes within species and less integrated parallelism for species. We interpret these findings with respect to their potential broader implications for the interacting roles of adaptation and constraint in the evolutionary origins of parallelism of plasticity in general.展开更多
Although the degree of mate competition, given extreme differences in sex ratio, explains much of the pattern of male-biased size dimorphism among diverse taxa, it fails for some species which have potential for inten...Although the degree of mate competition, given extreme differences in sex ratio, explains much of the pattern of male-biased size dimorphism among diverse taxa, it fails for some species which have potential for intense male competition for mates and yet exhibit little or no sexual size dimorphism （SSD）. This fact suggest that species with low SSD should be express the effect of evolutionary pressure in non-obvious geometrical shape promoted by sex ratio in an evolutionary time scale. To evaluate this hypothesis we used phylogenetic comparative method in a Bayesian framework to investigate the evolution of SSD and the role of sex ratio at inter-specific level in the species of Ceroglossus （Coleoptera： Carabidae）. In our results the proportion farthest from 1：1 is associated with more disparate body shape, even though the entire group has minimum variation in sex ratio, which is an intrinsic life history character of this group considering its phylogenetic conservatism or phylogenetic signal. We suggest that the sex ratio has determined the dimorphism degree during evolution of this group, since both traits have increased or decreased together during the species divergence （i.e. positive phylogenetic correlation： r2=0.85）. We suggest that morphological studies of SSD will benefit from using comparative method with Bayesian approaches to assess the effect of phylogenetic history and its uncertainty. Finally, this will be allow to researchers to quantify the uncertainty of specific evolutionary hypotheses accounting for observed sexual dimorphism patterns.展开更多
In the present study, postnatal ontogenetic size and shape changes in the cranium of two lagomorph species, the plateau pika （Ochotona curzoniae） and woolly hare （Lepus oiostolus）, were investigated by geometric m...In the present study, postnatal ontogenetic size and shape changes in the cranium of two lagomorph species, the plateau pika （Ochotona curzoniae） and woolly hare （Lepus oiostolus）, were investigated by geometric morphometrics. The ontogenetic size and shape changes of their cranium exhibited different growth patterns in response to similar environmental pressures on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The overall size change in the cranium of the plateau pika was slower than that of the woolly hare. The percentage of ontogenetic shape variance explained by size in the woolly hare was greater than that in the plateau pika. The overall shape of the cranium was narrowed in both species, and morphological components in relation to neural maturity showed negative allometry, while those responsible for muscular development showed isometric or positive allometry. The most remarkable shape variations in the plateau pika were associated with food acquisition （temporalis development）, though other remarkable shape variations in the incisive and palatal foramen in the ventral view were also observed. The most important shape change in the woolly hare was demonstrated by the elongation of the nasal bones, expansion of the supra-orbital process and shape variation of the neurocranium.展开更多
Background: Asymmetry in the wild is a controversial, and to date, unresolved subject.Fluctuating asymmetry(FA) is the developmental instability(intra-individual variation) while, directional asymmetry(DA) expresses t...Background: Asymmetry in the wild is a controversial, and to date, unresolved subject.Fluctuating asymmetry(FA) is the developmental instability(intra-individual variation) while, directional asymmetry(DA) expresses the asymmetry of the population mean.Methods: We analysed 63 Great Grey Shrike(Lanius excubitor) skins at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.The black markings on the tails were digitized in order to evaluate the symmetry of the two sides of each shrike.Ptilochronology helped understand if nutritional condition affected symmetry.Results: ANOVA revealed no significant differences in size of the tail between sexes(F = 1.67, p > 0.05).However, there was significant difference in the shape of the black area in feathers between the sexes(F = 2.14, p < 0.05), and males had more elongated and slender black areas.Further, DA was observed only in males, but FA was noted in both sexes.Spearman correlation showed no significant association between FA score and tail features in both the sexes.However, in females, we observed a negative significant correlation between the number of fault and growth bars.The shape of the black area in the tail displayed no statistically significant association with the tail features in both sexes although growth bars influenced tail shape more than the number of fault bars.Conclusions: We concluded that the characteristics discovered by us need to also be checked in the field and if they can be used to sex individuals.Also, chromatic manipulative studies are require to verify if DA influences sexual selection in the Great Grey Shrike.展开更多
Three common categories of bilateral asymmetry have been described： directional asymmetry, antisymmetry, and FA （fluctuating asymmetry）. FA is the most subtle of the three types of asymmetry, and differs from the p...Three common categories of bilateral asymmetry have been described： directional asymmetry, antisymmetry, and FA （fluctuating asymmetry）. FA is the most subtle of the three types of asymmetry, and differs from the patterns of the others in that paired structures tend to be symmetric in size. The analysis of FA allows to estimate the influence of stress factors on animal development and enables evaluation of resistance to stress. The aim of this work was to estimate the symmetry of skulls of a contemporary pure goat breed, as there is currently no study of FA as an estimate of individual quality for domestic goats. For this purpose, 11 landmarks were digitized in two dimensions from the crania of 24 adult goats （12 males and 12 females） belonging to the ＂White Rasquera＂ breed. The skulls showed nearly perfect bilateral symmetry. The low detected values of FA in skulls revealed a weak influence of developmental stress on this goat contemporary population and its strong ability to compensate stress.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672345)Research Equipment Development Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(YZ201509)
文摘Although there were many ancient Chinese mathematicians contributed a lot on geometry, Geometric morphometrics （GM） in modern concept was not firstly proposed by Chinese. The super capability of geometric morphometries in scientific computing and problem solving has gained a lot of attentions in the world. Until early of 21 centuries, geometric morphometries was introduced into China. Since then, GM was rapidly applied in many research fields. However, it is a pity that GM is still not well-known in China as many works are published out of China. Thus, the special issue ＂Geometric morphometrics： Current shape and future directions＂ is organized. The present issue presents a series of contributions in this scientific field. In future, there will be many considerable new developing fields on GM needed to pay more attentions, for instances, 3D geometric morphometrics, 4D analysis, visualization of amber, new machine developing, new software developing, automatic identification system, etc. Once these technical bottle-necks on 3D data collecting and merging geometric morphometric data from multiple characters could be solved, the automatic identification system and other fields based on Big Data would come true.
基金supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences(KZZD-EW-02,kzcx2-yw-153)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41030209and41173051)
文摘As a more efficient quantitative method for morphological analysis, geometric morphometrics is applied to the flabellate fossils Flabellophyton including Flabellophyton lantianensis and Flabellophyton strigata from Neoproterozoic Ediacaran Lantian biota, South China. Both traditional morphometric analysis （including diverging angle, length, and width distribution） and geometric morphometric analysis [including superposition of normalized area analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling （n-MDS）, Bray-Curtis similarity cluster analysis （CLUSTER） and analysis of similarities （ANOSIM）[ were performed. The results indicate there are great interspecific morphological differences between F. lantianensis and F. strigata, in addition to some intraspecific variations within each species. Here we preliminarily suggest that the previously defined Flabellophyton should be subdivided into 2 genera at least： one marked by the dark transverse striated structure, and the other without. This recharacterization and reclassification work still needs further careful observation and comprehensive analysis with large number of flabeilate fossils combining morphology, structure, population, and community-ecology study.
基金This research was supported by a Graduate Student Research Grant from Rackham Graduate School and an N.Gary Lane Award from the Paleontological Society to B.W.
文摘The mammalian family Bovidae has been widely studied in ecomorphological research,with important applications to paleoecological and paleohabitat reconstructions.Most studies of bovid craniomandibular features in relation to diet have used linear measurements.In this study,we conduct landmark-based geometric-morphometric analyses to evaluate whether different dietary groups can be distinguished by mandibular morphology.Our analysis includes data for 100 species of extant bovids,covering all bovid tribes and 2 dietary classifications.For the first classification with 3 feeding categories,we found that browsers(including frugivores),mixed feeders,and grazers are moderately well separated using mandibular shape.A finer dietary classification(frugivore,browser,browser-grazer intermediate,generalist,variable grazer,and obligate grazer)proved to be more useful for differentiating dietary extremes(frugivores and obligate grazers)but performed equally or less well for other groups.Notably,frugivorous bovids,which belong in tribe Cephalophini,have a distinct mandibular shape that is readily distinguished from all other dietary groups,yielding a 100%correct classification rate from jackknife cross-validation.The main differences in mandibular shape found among dietary groups are related to the functional needs of species during forage prehension and mastication.Compared with browsers,both frugivores and grazers have mandibles that are adapted for higher biomechanical demand of chewing.Additionally,frugivore mandibles are adapted for selective cropping.Our results call for more work on the feeding ecology and functional morphology of frugivores and offer an approach for reconstructing the diet of extinct bovids.
基金financial supported by the Spanish MINECO,Project CGL-2013-42643
文摘The scope of shape analysis based on geometric morphometrics has evolved into underscoring complex patterns of multidimensional shape change with multivariate statistical modelling （e.g., allometry, morphological integration, etc.）. Such breakthrough was made possible because the method relies on a consistent comparative reference system to compare shapes, the latter which is computed using the Cartesian coordinates of homologous landmarks. It has been shown elsewhere that traditional comparative reference systems based on anatomy, and oriented in stereotyped postures, such as the Frankfurt plane at rest, the Lateral Semicircular Canal when the animal is in alert, or the cranial floor when the animal is flying, are all inconsistent for anatomical comparisons. They vary too much and unpredictably across species. An extraordinary example of the problems that can arise in descriptive and comparative anatomy when using such reference systems is the traditional interpretation of the head of the Woodcock. Anywhere in literature it is written that the eyes of this gamebird are oriented backwards to protect itself from predators. Here, using geometric morphometrics it is demonstrated that the woodcock＇s skull is highly transformed, yet following a normal trend among birds. In turn, using GM it is demonstrated that the collective wisdom about this oddity is simply the result of interpreting the anatomy of its skull using unreliable reference systems.
文摘The morphological differences between two geographical maps can be highlighted by a polycentric distance cartogram resulting from a bidimensional regression.Beyond the communicational interest of the transformations thus produced,the method makes it possible to reveal the differences in structure and therefore constitutes a real research tool.However,bidimensional regression can only compare the shape of two maps.Since the 1990s,geometric morphometrics has revolutionized the morphological analysis of natural structures(and others).It has since been applied in many fields of research but not in cartography.This article describes the theoretical and methodological bases of a method combining bidimensional regression with a geometric morphometrics approach to compare the shape of several geographical maps.Geometric morphometrics and bidimensional regression indeed share common approaches of the statistical shape analysis like homologous landmarks and interpolation grids.However,there is no software in geometric morphometrics capable of directly reading geographical data,which would facilitate the work of cartographers accustomed to GIS software.That is why we present MapMorphy,a tool specifically developed for this task.An example on ancient maps illustrates the method.
文摘A relatively well-preserved rodent fossil,including its incisors,cheek teeth,and postcranial skeleton,was collected from the Baiyin Obo in Siziwang Banner,Nei Mongol.A multifaceted research approach was undertaken in this study to conduct a comprehensive analysis on the newly discovered specimen.Based on a morphological comparison,the new specimen was identified as Hulgana cf.H.ertnia within the Ischyromyidae family.Incisive enamel microstructure analysis revealed the typical pauciserial enamel structure of Hulgana.Bone histological analysis indicates that the specimen represents a juvenile individual,which is consistent with the ontogenetic stage indicated by dental developmental stage and wear pattern.The application of geometric morphometrics to the calcaneus and bone histology of the femur and phalanx further substantiates the taxonomic classification of Hulgana as a terrestrial and cursorial rodent,exhibiting a degree of fossorial ability.This classification is analogous to that of certain extant cricetids and ground squirrels.
基金in part kindly supported by the Croatian Science Foundation(DinDRY project,UIP-2020-02-5385,grant to A.B.).
文摘Insects are suitable model organisms for functional morphology research,especially in the context of exaptation,when the same morphological trait represents an advantage in disparate niches.Phylogenetically distant groups of pygmy grasshoppers(Orthoptera:Tetrigidae)have various pronotal projections defining their general appearance and body shape.However,body shape has never been related to niche occupation in these insects,thus the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between pronotum shape and macrohabitat adaptation in Scelimeninae,a group of Asian and Papuan tetrigids encompassing amphibious and corticolous(bark-dwelling)representatives.With the use of geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods,two morphological and functional groups were distinguished,with the body shape exhibiting a significant phylogenetic signal.The first group consists of elongated amphibious taxa(Scelimenini tribe)with highly uniform pronotum morphology,likely due to a strong selection for streamlined body shape.Stouter corticolous taxa(Discotettigini tribe)exhibit more conspicuous body shape variability,possibly increasing camouflage efficiency in tree bark habitats.Ecological divergence associated with macrohabitat adaptation may thus have been the primary driver of speciation in this insect group,but the evolutionary constraints leading to this divergence are still to be identified.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.42071060)to Fang Du.
文摘The integration and modularity of leaf morphological traits are fundamental to plant adaptations, yet their responses to diverse environmental pressures remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the roles of leaf trait integration and modularity and how they interact with environmental factors. We analyzed geometric, traditional, and functional leaf traits across 908 individuals from 72 populations of two alpine evergreen oaks, Quercus aquifolioides Rehder & E.H. Wilson and Quercus spinosa David ex Franch., distributed throughout the Himalayan-Hengduan Mountains(HHM), employing genetic assignment as a priori. Multivariate and redundancy analyses revealed that Q. aquifolioides, which inhabits harsher environments, exhibits lower trait integration and greater morphological flexibility, allowing for dynamic adaptation to fluctuating conditions. In contrast, Q. spinosa, thriving in milder environments, demonstrates stronger integration and stability in leaf morphology, facilitating resource optimization and providing a competitive advantage. Notable differences in modularity between the two species were observed, particularly in specific leaf traits, as revealed by structural equation modeling(SEM) analysis. These results underscore the adaptive significance of leaf trait integration and modularity in extreme environments and highlight the critical role of leaf morphology in enhancing species resilience.
基金supported by the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31440078,31501876,31501840)Shanxi Province Programs for Science and Technology Development(20150311010-7)+1 种基金the Research Equipment Development Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(YZ201509)the Graduate Innovation Project in Shanxi Province,China(2016BY067)
文摘The genus Eysarcoris can be easily distinguished from other genera through the two spots in the basal angle of the scutellum. Nevertheless, Eysarcoris species show complex variances. Geometric morphometric methods have been increasingly applied to distinguish species and to define the boundary of genera among insects. In the present study, geometric morphometric approach was firstly employed to evaluate the shape variation of three characters （fore wing, hind wing and pygophore） of E. guttiger, E. annamita and E. ventralis using E. aeneus as outgroup to ascertain whether this approach is a reliable method for the taxonomy of Eysarcoris. Analysis was conducted on the landmarks of the three characters of these species. Multivariate regression of procrustes coordinates against centroid size was conducted to test the presence of allometry. Principal component analysis （PCA）, canonical variate analysis （CVA） and cluster analysis were utilized to describe variations in shapes among the studied species. For all of the three characters, though PCA analysis showed some overlap among species, p-values for procrustes distance and mahalanobis distance were all less than 0.0001. The distribution of the three studied species corresponds with their species status. This study demonstrates that the geometric morphometrics of both the fore wing and the hind wing might represent a possible tool for the identification of species within this genus.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31672345,51305057,61379087)the Research Equipment Development Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(YZ201509)a Humboldt Fellowship(M.B.) from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
文摘Geometric morphometrics （GM） is an important method of shape analysis and increasingly used in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Presently, a single character comparison system of geometric morphometric data is used in almost all empirical studies, and this approach is sufficient for many scientific problems. However, the estimation of overall similarity among taxa or objects based on multiple characters is crucial in a variety of contexts （e.g. （semi-）automated identification, phenetic relationships, tracing of character evolution, phylogenetic reconstruction）. Here we propose a new web-based tool for merging several geometric morphometrics data files from multiple characters into a single data file. Using this approach information from multiple characters can be compared in combination and an overall similarity estimate can be obtained in a convenient and geometrically rigorous manner. To illustrate our method, we provide an example analysis of 25 dung beetle species with seven Procrustes superimposed landmark data files representing the morphological variation of body features： the epipharynx, right mandible, pronotum, elytra, hindwing, and the metendosternite in dorsal and lateral view. All seven files were merged into a single one containing information on 649 landmark locations. The possible applications of such merged data files in different fields of science are discussed.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China during the 14th Five-year Plan Period(2021YFD2200302)the nonprofit industry research subject of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in China(Grant Number 201504408)。
文摘To compare the application of traditional morphometric methods(TMMs)and geometric morphometric methods(GMMs)in the study of intraspecific leaf morphological characters of Quercus dentata,fifteen linear measurement indices and thirteen landmarks of leaves were used to study leaf morphology of three provenances(H1,H2,and H3).In TMMs,principal component analysis(PCA)showed that leaf size–related indices played an important role in population classification.Partial least square(PLS)analysis showed that the main morphological characters affecting leaf size were the average depth of the lobes and the length–width ratios.However,the important indices to distinguish the provenances were circularity,leaf width,and length–width ratio.The results of discriminant analysis(DA)showed that 74.0%of H1,68.0%of H2,and 74.0%of H3 were correctly classified.Cluster analysis showed that the Mahalanobis distances between H1 and H2,H1 and H3,and H2 and H3 were 4.3761,11.4629,and 10.2067,respectively.In GMMs,PCA based on symmetrical components showed that the difference in leaf morphology was mainly due to the changing trend of the leaf apex and base,petiole length,and degree of leaf cracking.PLS analysis showed that there was a significant covariation between the leaf symmetrical components and size:as the leaf enlarged,the widest part gradually moved up,and the shape changed from nearly oval to lanceolate.DA results showed that 86.0%and 78.0%of H1 and H2,70.0%and 80.0%of H1 and H3,and 82.0%and 76.0%of H2 and H3 were correctly classified.Canonical variate analysis results showed that the Mahalanobis distances between H1 and H2,H1 and H3,and H2 and H3 were 1.7238,1.5380,and 1.6329,respectively.Both GMMs and TMMs showed significant differences in morphology among the three Q.dentata provenances,but GMMs had higher classification accuracy and could provide more information about leaf shape,whereas TMMs could provide more information about leaf size.Based on our results,GMMs are promising in the study of leaf morphological variation within Q.dentata provenances.
文摘The aim of this study was to compare mandibular form （i.e., size and shape） between patients with agenesis of the lower second premolar （P2） and a control group with no agenesis. Three hypotheses were tested： （H1） agenesis causes a change in mandibular morphology because of inadequate alveolar ridge development in the area of the missing tooth （mandibular plasticity）; （H2） agenesis is caused by spatial limitations within the mandible （dental plasticity）; and （H3） common genetic/ epigenetic factors cause agenesis and affect mandibular form （pleiotropy）. A geometric morphometric analysis was applied to cross-sectional images of computed tomography （CT） scans of three matched groups （n= 50 each）： （1） regularly erupted P2; （2） agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar in situ; and （3） agenesis of P2 and the primary second molar missing for 〉3 months. Cross-sections of the three areas of interest （first premolar, P2, first molar） were digitized with 23 landmarks and superimposed by a generalized Procrustes analysis. On average, the mandibular cross-sections were narrower and shorter in patients with P2 agenesis compared with that in the control group. Both agenesis groups featured a pronounced submandibular fossa. These differences extended at least one tooth beyond the agenesis-affected region. Taken together with the large interindividual variation that resulted in massively overlapping group distributions, these findings support genetic and/or epigenetic pleiotropy （H3） as the most likely origin of the observed covariation between mandibular form and odontogenesis. Clinically, reduced dimensions and greater variability of mandibular form, as well as a pronounced submandibular fossa, should be expected during the treatment planning of patients with P2 agenesis.
文摘Sexual selection is considered the major cause of sexual dimorphism, but recent observations suggest that natural selection may play a more important role in the evolution of sex differentiation than previously recognized. Therefore, studying the trade-offs between natural selection and sexual selection is crucial to a better understanding of the ecology underlying the evolution of sexual dimorphism. The freshwater blenny Salaria fluviatilis, a fish inhabiting lakes and rivers around the Mediterranean Sea, displays strong sexual dimorphism in size, shape, and behavior （i.e., larger body and head size for males and higher swimming requirements for females during the reproductive period）. We tested for differences in sexual dimorphism in size and shape between the populations from lake and river habitats with the goal of identifying the trade-offs between natural and sexual se- lection that underlie variations in sexual dimorphism in this species. Our results show i） differences in sexual size dimorphism （SSizeD） in accordance to Rensch＇s rule （i.e., larger individuals in rivers associated with higher SSizeD）, and ii） a decrease in shape differentiation between males and fe- males in lake populations. Together, this suggests that the different environmental conditions between lake and river habitats （e.g., resource limitations, predation pressure, water velocity） affect the relative importance of sexual selection in the display of sexual dimorphism within the species. This study highlights the importance of considering the environmental conditions to which populations are exposed to better understand the ecology underlying the evolution of sexual dimorphism.
文摘Phenotypic plasticity is often an adaptation of organisms to cope with temporally or spatially heter- ogenous landscapes. Like other adaptations, one would predict that different species, populations, or sexes might thus show some degree of parallel evolution of plasticity, in the form of parallel reaction norms, when exposed to analogous environmental gradients. Indeed, one might even ex- pect parallelism of plasticity to repeatedly evolve in multiple traits responding to the same gradi- ent, resulting in integrated parallelism of plasticity. In this study, we experimentally tested for paral- lel patterns of predator-mediated plasticity of size, shape, and behavior of 2 species and sexes of mosquitofish. Examination of behavioral trials indicated that the 2 species showed unique patterns of behavioral plasticity, whereas the 2 sexes in each species showed parallel responses. Fish shape showed parallel patterns of plasticity for both sexes and species, albeit males showed evidence of unique plasticity related to reproductive anatomy. Moreover, patterns of shape plasticity due to predator exposure were broadly parallel to what has been depicted for predator-mediated popula- tion divergence in other studies （slender bodies, expanded caudal regions, ventrally located eyes, and reduced male gonopodia）. We did not find evidence of phenotypic plasticity in fish size for ei- ther species or sex. Hence, our findings support broadly integrated parallelism of plasticity for sexes within species and less integrated parallelism for species. We interpret these findings with respect to their potential broader implications for the interacting roles of adaptation and constraint in the evolutionary origins of parallelism of plasticity in general.
文摘Although the degree of mate competition, given extreme differences in sex ratio, explains much of the pattern of male-biased size dimorphism among diverse taxa, it fails for some species which have potential for intense male competition for mates and yet exhibit little or no sexual size dimorphism （SSD）. This fact suggest that species with low SSD should be express the effect of evolutionary pressure in non-obvious geometrical shape promoted by sex ratio in an evolutionary time scale. To evaluate this hypothesis we used phylogenetic comparative method in a Bayesian framework to investigate the evolution of SSD and the role of sex ratio at inter-specific level in the species of Ceroglossus （Coleoptera： Carabidae）. In our results the proportion farthest from 1：1 is associated with more disparate body shape, even though the entire group has minimum variation in sex ratio, which is an intrinsic life history character of this group considering its phylogenetic conservatism or phylogenetic signal. We suggest that the sex ratio has determined the dimorphism degree during evolution of this group, since both traits have increased or decreased together during the species divergence （i.e. positive phylogenetic correlation： r2=0.85）. We suggest that morphological studies of SSD will benefit from using comparative method with Bayesian approaches to assess the effect of phylogenetic history and its uncertainty. Finally, this will be allow to researchers to quantify the uncertainty of specific evolutionary hypotheses accounting for observed sexual dimorphism patterns.
基金supported by a grant(Y229YX5105)from the Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution of the Chinese Academy of Sciencesthe National Science Foundation of China(31101629)
文摘In the present study, postnatal ontogenetic size and shape changes in the cranium of two lagomorph species, the plateau pika （Ochotona curzoniae） and woolly hare （Lepus oiostolus）, were investigated by geometric morphometrics. The ontogenetic size and shape changes of their cranium exhibited different growth patterns in response to similar environmental pressures on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The overall size change in the cranium of the plateau pika was slower than that of the woolly hare. The percentage of ontogenetic shape variance explained by size in the woolly hare was greater than that in the plateau pika. The overall shape of the cranium was narrowed in both species, and morphological components in relation to neural maturity showed negative allometry, while those responsible for muscular development showed isometric or positive allometry. The most remarkable shape variations in the plateau pika were associated with food acquisition （temporalis development）, though other remarkable shape variations in the incisive and palatal foramen in the ventral view were also observed. The most important shape change in the woolly hare was demonstrated by the elongation of the nasal bones, expansion of the supra-orbital process and shape variation of the neurocranium.
基金partially sponsored by a grant of the Polish Ministry of Sciences and Higher Education(Number NN 304375238)
文摘Background: Asymmetry in the wild is a controversial, and to date, unresolved subject.Fluctuating asymmetry(FA) is the developmental instability(intra-individual variation) while, directional asymmetry(DA) expresses the asymmetry of the population mean.Methods: We analysed 63 Great Grey Shrike(Lanius excubitor) skins at the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.The black markings on the tails were digitized in order to evaluate the symmetry of the two sides of each shrike.Ptilochronology helped understand if nutritional condition affected symmetry.Results: ANOVA revealed no significant differences in size of the tail between sexes(F = 1.67, p > 0.05).However, there was significant difference in the shape of the black area in feathers between the sexes(F = 2.14, p < 0.05), and males had more elongated and slender black areas.Further, DA was observed only in males, but FA was noted in both sexes.Spearman correlation showed no significant association between FA score and tail features in both the sexes.However, in females, we observed a negative significant correlation between the number of fault and growth bars.The shape of the black area in the tail displayed no statistically significant association with the tail features in both sexes although growth bars influenced tail shape more than the number of fault bars.Conclusions: We concluded that the characteristics discovered by us need to also be checked in the field and if they can be used to sex individuals.Also, chromatic manipulative studies are require to verify if DA influences sexual selection in the Great Grey Shrike.
文摘Three common categories of bilateral asymmetry have been described： directional asymmetry, antisymmetry, and FA （fluctuating asymmetry）. FA is the most subtle of the three types of asymmetry, and differs from the patterns of the others in that paired structures tend to be symmetric in size. The analysis of FA allows to estimate the influence of stress factors on animal development and enables evaluation of resistance to stress. The aim of this work was to estimate the symmetry of skulls of a contemporary pure goat breed, as there is currently no study of FA as an estimate of individual quality for domestic goats. For this purpose, 11 landmarks were digitized in two dimensions from the crania of 24 adult goats （12 males and 12 females） belonging to the ＂White Rasquera＂ breed. The skulls showed nearly perfect bilateral symmetry. The low detected values of FA in skulls revealed a weak influence of developmental stress on this goat contemporary population and its strong ability to compensate stress.
