The Evolution of Ecomorphological Convergence in Dwarf Chameleons ( Bradypodion )

2025/11/22 by Melissa A. Petford, Anthony Herrel, Krystal A. Tolley · 1 voice
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Mathematics · Psychology · #Evolution and Paleontology Studies #Morphological variations and asymmetry #Primate Behavior and Ecology

paper · doi:10.1086/739749

openalex publication_date 2025/11/22 · openalex created_date 2025/11/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

and tested for evidence of phenotypic convergence using time-calibrated phylogenies. Our results indicated that many lineages that do not share a common ancestor, but are from similar habitats, have converged on similar phenotypes (i.e., tail length, hand size, foot size, casque height), with ecology showing a stronger influence than evolutionary history. We interpret this as adaptive changes in morphology in response to the constraints imposed by different habitat types.

Discussions

• Tests of the convergence of Bradypodion lineages into distinct ecomorphs found adaptive changes in morphology in response to habitat type differences. Despite many lineages from different habitats lac [bsky, 4 points, 0 comments]

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