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Limb specialization reduces evolvability *
Author(s) -
Siemons Olivia
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.84
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1558-5646
pISSN - 0014-3820
DOI - 10.1111/evo.13966
Subject(s) - evolvability , biology , evolutionary biology , primate , morphology (biology) , ecology , zoology
This study uses viability selection simulations to predict the evolvability of primate species based on specialization of limb morphology. Following the author's predictions, more specialized limb morphologies were less responsive to selective pressures. This led to a slower transition toward new adaptive peaks. Specifically, evolvability of primate limbs was found to be associated with the degree of morphological integration, limb specialization, and body size.