Ontogenetic convergence and evolution of foot morphology in European cave salamanders (Family: Plethodontidae)

摘要

BackgroundA major goal in evolutionary biology is to understand the evolution of phenotypic diversity. Both natural and sexual selection play a large role in generating phenotypic adaptations, with biomechanical requirements and developmental mechanisms mediating patterns of phenotypic evolution. For many traits, the relative importance of selective and developmental components remains understudied.