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Digest: An emerging model system for understanding ecomorphological convergence.

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Summary

Adaptive radiation theory was tested in Myotis bats. The study found repeated ecomorphological convergence, suggesting parallel radiations arise from nonadaptive diversification and reusing adaptive solutions.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genomics
  • Mammalogy

Background:

  • Investigating adaptive radiation theory and phenotypic convergence in the bat genus Myotis.
  • Utilizing genomic target capture and a comprehensive morphological dataset covering 80% of Myotis species.

Discussion:

  • Examining the role of diversification rates in phenotypic adaptation.
  • Assessing the frequency and patterns of ecomorphological convergence within Myotis.

Key Insights:

  • Ecomorphological convergence has occurred multiple times in Myotis bat evolution.
  • No significant diversification rate shifts were found linked to phenotypic adaptation.

Outlook:

  • Understanding the mechanisms driving parallel adaptive radiations.
  • Exploring the interplay between nonadaptive lineage diversification and the repeated use of adaptive traits.