Mammalian forelimb evolution is driven by uneven proximal-to-distal morphological diversity

• DOI: 10.7554/elife.81492
• Publication Date: 2023-01-26T08:15:29Z
• Authors: Priscila S Rothier; Anne-Claire Fabre; Julien Clavel; Roger BJ Benson; Anthony Herrel
• Keywords: Forelimb; Limb development; Evolution of mammals; Variation (astronomy); Morphology; Functional Diversity

Vertebrate limb morphology often reflects the environment due to variation in locomotor requirements. However, proximal and distal segments may evolve differently from one another, reflecting an anatomical gradient of functional specialization that has been suggested be impacted by timing development. Here, we explore whether temporal sequence bone condensation predicts capacity evolution generate morphological diversity forelimb across more than 600 species mammals. Distal elements not only exhibit greater shape diversity, but also show stronger within-element integration and, on average, faster evolutionary responses intermediate upper segments. Results are consistent with hypothesis late developing bones display elements. higher observed within autopod deviates such developmental predictions, suggesting plays important role driving covariation. Proximal different macroevolutionary patterns, albeit showing a perfect proximo-distal gradient. The high disparity mammalian autopod, reported here, is potential development structures, as well