Morphological convergence of the prey-killing arsenal of sabertooth predators

Paleobiology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Meachen-Samuels
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Convergence ◽  
Prey Killing

scholarly journals Morphological convergence obscures functional diversity in sabre-toothed carnivores

2020 ◽  
Vol 287 (1935) ◽  
pp. 20201818
Author(s):  
Stephan Lautenschlager ◽  
Borja Figueirido ◽  
Daniel D. Cashmore ◽  
Eva-Maria Bendel ◽  
Thomas L. Stubbs
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Convergent Evolution ◽  
Bending Strength ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
Niche Partitioning ◽  
Bite Force ◽  
Evolutionary Rates ◽  
Morphological Convergence ◽  
Prey Killing ◽  
Evolutionary Paths

The acquisition of elongated, sabre-like canines in multiple vertebrate clades during the last 265 Myr represents a remarkable example for convergent evolution. Due to striking superficial similarities in the cranial skeleton, the same or similar skull and jaw functions have been inferred for sabre-toothed species and interpreted as an adaptation to subdue large-bodied prey. However, although some sabre-tooth lineages have been classified into different ecomorphs (dirk-tooths and scimitar-tooths) the functional diversity within and between groups and the evolutionary paths leading to these specializations are unknown. Here, we use a suite of biomechanical simulations to analyse key functional parameters (mandibular gape angle, bending strength, bite force) to compare the functional performance of different groups and to quantify evolutionary rates across sabre-tooth vertebrates. Our results demonstrate a remarkably high functional diversity between sabre-tooth lineages and that different cranial function and prey killing strategies evolved within clades. Moreover, different biomechanical adaptations in coexisting sabre-tooth species further suggest that this functional diversity was at least partially driven by niche partitioning.

scholarly journals Morphological convergence as on-line lexical analogy

Language ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 735-770
Author(s):  
Péter Rácz ◽  
Clay Beckner ◽  
Jennifer B. Hay ◽  
Janet B. Pierrehumbert
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Convergence ◽  
On Line

scholarly journals Phylogeny ofPaussusL. (Carabidae: Paussinae): unravelling morphological convergence associated with myrmecophilous life histories

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 134-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAMES A. ROBERTSON ◽  
WENDY MOORE
Keyword(s):  
Life Histories ◽  
Morphological Convergence

scholarly journals Morphological convergence of shell shape in distantly related scallop species (Mollusca: Pectinidae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 163 (2) ◽  
pp. 571-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
JEANNE M. SERB ◽  
ALVIN ALEJANDRINO ◽  
ERIK OTÁROLA-CASTILLO ◽  
DEAN C. ADAMS
Keyword(s):  
Shell Shape ◽  
Morphological Convergence

scholarly journals Experimental evidence for friction-enhancing integumentary modifications of chameleons and associated functional and evolutionary implications

2014 ◽  
Vol 281 (1775) ◽  
pp. 20132334 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eraqi R. Khannoon ◽  
Thomas Endlein ◽  
Anthony P. Russell ◽  
Kellar Autumn
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Frictional Coefficient ◽  
Force Transducer ◽  
Morphological Convergence ◽  
Functional Implications ◽  
Smooth Skin ◽  
Derivatives Of

The striking morphological convergence of hair-like integumentary derivatives of lizards and arthropods (spiders and insects) demonstrates the importance of such features for enhancing purchase on the locomotor substrate. These pilose structures are responsible for the unique tractive abilities of these groups of animals, enabling them to move with seeming ease on overhanging and inverted surfaces, and to traverse inclined smooth substrates. Three groups of lizards are well known for bearing adhesion-promoting setae on their digits: geckos, anoles and skinks. Similar features are also found on the ventral subdigital and distal caudal skin of chameleons. These have only recently been described in any detail, and structurally and functionally are much less well understood than are the setae of geckos and anoles. The seta-like structures of chameleons are not branched (a characteristic of many geckos), nor do they terminate in spatulate tips (which is characteristic of geckos, anoles and skinks). They are densely packed and have attenuated blunt, globose tips or broad, blade-like shafts that are flattened for much of their length. Using a force transducer, we tested the hypothesis that these structures enhance friction and demonstrate that the pilose skin has a greater frictional coefficient than does the smooth skin of these animals. Our results are consistent with friction being generated as a result of side contact of the integumentary filaments. We discuss the evolutionary and functional implications of these seta-like structures in comparison with those typical of other lizard groups and with the properties of seta-mimicking synthetic structures.

HOMOPLASY AS PATTERN: MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE IN ANSERIFORMES

Cladistics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel P. Faith
Keyword(s):  
Multivariate Analysis ◽  
Morphological Convergence

Molecular Data Sets and Broad Taxon Sampling in Detecting Morphological Convergence

1994 ◽  
pp. 243-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Blackwell ◽  
J. W. Spatafora
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Data ◽  
Taxon Sampling ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Morphological Convergence

scholarly journals Morphological convergence in conifer-dwelling passerines

2004 ◽  
Vol 145 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fr�nzi Korner-Nievergelt ◽  
B. Leisler
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Convergence

Predation drives morphological convergence in theGambusia panucospecies group among lotic and lentic habitats

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 491-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. K. Moody ◽  
M. L. Lozano-Vilano
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Convergence
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document