Development and evolution of segmentation assessed by geometric morphometrics: The centipede Strigamia maritima as a...

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary developmental biology
• Geometric morphometrics
• Animal morphology

Background:

• Segmentation is a fundamental process in animal body plan evolution.
• Understanding post-embryonic development is key to evolutionary insights.
• Centipedes offer a tractable model for studying segmentation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of geometric morphometrics in studying segmentation.
• To investigate developmental stability and canalization in segment patterning.
• To analyze phenotypic variation in segmented body architecture.

Main Methods:

• Geometric morphometrics applied to the centipede Strigamia maritima.
• Analysis of ventral sclerite shapes.
• Investigation of bilateral fluctuating asymmetry and among-individual variation.

Main Results:

• Segmental patterns of ventral sclerite shape correlate with fluctuating asymmetry.
• Anterior and posterior segments diverge in shape from central segments.
• A correlation exists between fluctuating asymmetry and among-individual shape variation.

Conclusions:

• Geometric morphometrics provides detailed data for comparative studies of development and evolution.
• Developmental stability and canalization appear linked in S. maritima segmentation.
• Segmental position may jointly influence developmental buffering processes.