ArticleNature communications2024
Convergent evolution in Afrotheria and non-afrotherians demonstrates high evolvability of the mammalian inner ear.
Article in Nature communications, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
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7 citing papers in PubMed.
- Skull morphology of the extinct Tasmanian tiger suggests unique biting style.Nature communications · 2026Article
- Evolutionary modularity of the primate vestibular system: Morphological distinction of otolithic and canalicular organs.PNAS nexus · 2026Article
- Variation and disparity within the inner ear and trigeminus of the tenrecomorpha.Communications biology · 2025Article
- River dolphin cochlea has not evolved convergently.Biology letters · 2025Article
- Development of the semicircular canals and otolithic organs of the vertebrate inner ear.Current topics in developmental biology · 2025Review
- Completing a molecular timetree of Afrotheria.Frontiers in bioinformatics · 2025Article
- Convergent evolution in Afrotheria and non-afrotherians demonstrates high evolvability of the mammalian inner ear.Nature communications · 2024Article
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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.
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