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Convergent evolution in Afrotheria and non-afrotherians demonstrates high evolvability of the mammalian inner ear

Author

Listed:
  • Nicole D. S. Grunstra

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna
    Natural History Museum Vienna)

  • Fabian Hollinetz

    (University of Vienna)

  • Guillermo Bravo Morante

    (University of Vienna)

  • Frank E. Zachos

    (University of Vienna
    Natural History Museum Vienna
    University of the Free State
    Charles Darwin University)

  • Cathrin Pfaff

    (University of Vienna)

  • Viola Winkler

    (Natural History Museum Vienna)

  • Philipp Mitteroecker

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna
    Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research)

  • Anne Maître

    (University of Vienna
    University of Vienna
    Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research
    Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystèmes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM) – UMR 7262 CNRS INEE, Université de Poitiers)

Abstract

Evolutionary convergence in distantly related species is among the most convincing evidence of adaptive evolution. The mammalian ear, responsible for balance and hearing, is not only characterised by its spectacular evolutionary incorporation of several bones of the jaw, it also varies considerably in shape across modern mammals. Using a multivariate approach, we show that in Afrotheria, a monophyletic clade with morphologically and ecologically highly disparate species, inner ear shape has evolved similar adaptations as in non-afrotherian mammals. We identify four eco-morphological trait combinations that underlie this convergence. The high evolvability of the mammalian ear is surprising: Nowhere else in the skeleton are different functional units so close together; it includes the smallest bones of the skeleton, encapsulated within the densest bone. We suggest that this evolvability is a direct consequence of the increased genetic and developmental complexity of the mammalian ear compared to other vertebrates.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicole D. S. Grunstra & Fabian Hollinetz & Guillermo Bravo Morante & Frank E. Zachos & Cathrin Pfaff & Viola Winkler & Philipp Mitteroecker & Anne Maître, 2024. "Convergent evolution in Afrotheria and non-afrotherians demonstrates high evolvability of the mammalian inner ear," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-52180-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52180-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Serjoscha W. Evers & Walter G. Joyce & Jonah N. Choiniere & Gabriel S. Ferreira & Christian Foth & Guilherme Hermanson & Hongyu Yi & Catherine M. Johnson & Ingmar Werneburg & Roger B. J. Benson, 2022. "Independent origin of large labyrinth size in turtles," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-15, December.
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    4. Zhe-Xi Luo, 2007. "Transformation and diversification in early mammal evolution," Nature, Nature, vol. 450(7172), pages 1011-1019, December.
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