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Related Experiment Videos

Developmental integration in a complex morphological structure: how distinct are the modules in the mouse mandible?

Christian Peter Klingenberg1, Katharina Mebus, Jean-Christophe Auffray

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK. cpk@man.ac.uk

Evolution & Development
|September 3, 2003
PubMed
Summary

The mouse mandible shows modular development, with distinct anterior and posterior sections. This modularity, however, is not absolute, indicating a balance between integration and relative independence in its development.

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental biology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Comparative anatomy

Background:

  • The mouse mandible is a key model for studying morphological development and evolution.
  • Previous hypotheses suggest the mandible comprises two distinct developmental modules.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To reassess the hypothesis of anterior and posterior mandibular modules using geometric morphometrics.
  • To investigate the role of fluctuating asymmetry in understanding developmental modularity.

Main Methods:

  • Geometric morphometrics applied to mouse mandibles.
  • Analysis of covariation in fluctuating asymmetry and individual variation.
  • Comparison of landmark partitions to identify modular boundaries.

Main Results:

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  • Patterns of fluctuating asymmetry and individual variation were partially consistent.
  • Results supported the hypothesis of anterior (tooth-bearing) and posterior (articulating) mandibular modules.
  • The boundary between modules was confirmed, but separation was not complete.

Conclusions:

  • Mandibular modularity exists as relative independence within overall integration.
  • Modularity is a matter of degree, not an absolute separation of parts.
  • Developmental processes contribute differentially to variation at different levels.