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Inferring developmental modularity from morphological integration: analysis of individual variation and asymmetry in
C P Klingenberg1, A V Badyaev, S M Sowry
1Laboratory of Development and Evolution, University Museum of Zoology, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom.
The American Naturalist
|August 19, 2008
Summary
Bumblebee wings are distinct developmental modules, showing similar variation patterns internally and between fore- and hindwings. These wing modules maintain coherence through direct developmental interactions, potentially influenced by gas exchange.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary developmental biology
- Insect morphology and development
Background:
- Organisms are composed of internally coherent yet flexible modules.
- Understanding the developmental basis of modularity is crucial for evolutionary biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate morphological variation within and between bumblebee fore- and hindwings as candidate developmental modules.
- To explore the developmental interactions and connections between these wing modules.
Main Methods:
- Geometric morphometrics (Procrustes superimposition) to analyze wing shape variation.
- Regression analysis to correct for allometry (size-related shape variation).
- Principal component analysis and partial least squares analysis to identify patterns of variation and covariation.
Main Results:
- Individual variation and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) patterns within wings were remarkably similar.
- Shape covariation patterns between fore- and hindwings mirrored within-wing variation patterns.
- Covariation of FA between wings was observed only under elevated CO(2), suggesting a link to gas exchange.
Conclusions:
- Bumblebee fore- and hindwings function as developmental modules with high internal coherence.
- Developmental interactions within each wing likely drive much of the individual shape variation.
- Interactions between fore- and hindwings are limited, possibly mediated by gas exchange mechanisms.
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