Incomplete convergence of gliding mammal skeletons*

• DOI: 10.1111/evo.14094
• Publication Date: 2020-09-04T17:11:46Z
• Authors: David M. Grossnickle; Meng Chen; James G. A. Wauer; Spencer K. Pevsner; Lucas N. Weaver; Qing‐Jin Meng; Di Liu; Yu‐Guang Zhang; Zhe‐Xi Luo
• Keywords: Convergent evolution; Ecomorphology; Mammal

Ecology and biomechanics play central roles in the generation of phenotypic diversity. When unrelated taxa invade a similar ecological niche, biomechanical demands can drive convergent morphological transformations. Thus, examining convergence helps to elucidate key catalysts change. Gliding mammals are often presented as classic case evolution because they independently evolved numerous clades, each possessing patagia ("wing" membranes) that generate lift during gliding. We use phylogenetic comparative methods test whether skeletal morphologies six clades extant gliding demonstrate convergence. Our results indicate glider skeletons convergent, with groups consistently evolving proportionally longer, more gracile limbs than arborealists, likely increase patagial surface area. Nonetheless, we interpret gliders represent incomplete (1) evolutionary model-fitting analyses do not strong selective pressures for trait optima, (2) three marsupial diverge rather converge, (3) remain separated morphospace (rather converging on single morphotype), which is reflected by an unexpectedly high level disparity. That morphologically diverse further demonstrated fossil from Mesozoic Era, possess unique characteristics absent gliders. Glider may be strongly influenced factors such body size attachment location forelimb, vary among clades. appears driven simple lengthening limbs, whereas additional traits reflect nuances apparatus distinct different lineages. unexpected add growing evidence prevalent vertebrate even cases convergence, highlight importance form-function relationships light phylogeny, biomechanics, record.