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Functional morphology and phylogenetic testing within the framework of symecomorphosis
1Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138.
Acta Morphologica Neerlando-Scandinavica
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Phylogenetic testing reveals how organismal design influences evolutionary diversity. The proposed concept of symecomorphosis highlights the balance between ecological and genealogical hierarchies, crucial for understanding evolutionary patterns.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Phylogenetics
- Morphological diversity
Background:
- Contrasting evolutionary patterns in Teleostei and "Chondrostei" necessitate non-arbitrary methods for assessing design's role in diversity.
- Recognition of distinct genealogical (reproductive, informational) and ecological hierarchies is proposed.
- Intrinsic processes at various hierarchical levels are not reducible to lower or higher levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the merit of phylogenetic testing for assessing the role of design in differential morphological diversity.
- To present arguments for recognizing genealogical and ecological hierarchies.
- To introduce and define the concept of symecomorphosis.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic testing based on evolutionary patterns.
- Argumentation for hierarchical structures.
- Hypothesizing interhierarchical influences.
- Case study using four lineages of air-breathing teleosts.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic testing is a non-arbitrary method for evaluating design's impact on diversity.
- A balanced symmetry between ecological and genealogical hierarchies, termed symecomorphosis, is proposed.
- Disturbances in environmental systems can disrupt symecomorphosis, affecting genealogical hierarchies.
Conclusions:
- Symecomorphosis provides a framework for understanding the interplay between ecological and genealogical factors in evolution.
- The principle of symecomorphosis can be incorporated into tests to establish causal links between design and lineage diversity.
- Evolutionary differentiation, exemplified by air-breathing teleosts, demonstrates the utility of symecomorphosis in research.
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