The Role of (Co)variation in Shaping the Response to Selection in New World Leaf-Nosed Bats

• DOI: 10.1086/729219
• Publication Date: 2023-12-21T23:10:06Z
• Authors: Daniela M. Rossoni; Bruce D. Patterson; Gabriel Marroig; James M. Cheverud; David Houle
• Keywords: Variation (astronomy)

Understanding and predicting the evolutionary responses of complex morphological traits to selection remains a major challenge in biology. Because are genetically correlated, on particular trait produces both direct effects distribution that indirect other population. The correlations between can strongly impact may thus impose constraints adaptation. Here, we used museum specimens comparative quantitative genetic approaches investigate whether covariation among cranial facilitated or constrained response during dietary transitions one world's most ecologically diverse mammalian families—the phyllostomid bats. We reconstructed set net gradients would have acted each feeding specializations decomposed into their components. found for all transitions, capturing craniofacial length evolved toward adaptive directions owing selection. Additionally, showed instances which interaction patterns strength direction either evolution. Our work highlights importance considering within-species estimates quantify evolvability disentangle relative contribution variational versus selective causes observed patterns.