Abstract Convergent morphology is a strong indication of an adaptive trait. Marine mussels (Mytilidae) have long been studied for their ecology and economic importance. However, variation in lifestyle and phenotype also make them suitable models for studies focused on ecomorphological correlation and adaptation. The present study investigates mantle margin diversity and ecological transitions in the Mytilidae to identify macroevolutionary patterns and test for convergent evolution. A fossil-calibrated phylogenetic hypothesis of Mytilidae is inferred based on five genes for 33 species (19 genera). Morphological variation in the mantle margin is examined in 43 preserved species (25 genera) and four focal species are examined for detailed anatomy. Trait evolution is investigated by ancestral state estimation and correlation tests. Our phylogeny recovers two main clades derived from an epifaunal ancestor. Subsequently, different lineages convergently shifted to other lifestyles: semi-infaunal or boring into hard substrate. Such transitions are correlated with the development of long siphons in the posterior mantle region. Two independent origins are reconstructed for the posterior lobules on the inner fold, which are associated with intense mucociliary transport, suggesting an important cleansing role in epifaunal mussels. Our results reveal new examples of convergent morphological evolution associated with lifestyle transitions in marine mussels.
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Untangling the diversity and evolution of tentacles in scallops, oysters, and their relatives (Bivalvia: Pteriomorphia)
Tentacles are fascinating, multifunctional organs found in many aquatic invertebrate groups. In bivalves, tentacles are morphologically diverse, performing protective and sensory roles in taxa from different ecological niches. Such diversity is particularly accentuated in Pteriomorphia, a clade comprising scallops, oysters, file clams, and relatives. However, little is known about the evolution of these organs and their role in bivalve radiation. To test hypotheses of convergent tentacular evolution and a possible association between tentacles and body orientation on the substrate, we first examined tentacle morphology in 108 preserved species representing 15 families across Pteriomorphia. Morphological descriptions of tentacle type (inner mantle fold tentacles, IFT; middle mantle fold tentacles, MFT) and position (marginal and submarginal) are provided, expanding the knowledge of less studied bivalve taxa. Then, we placed the morphological dataset under a molecular phylogenetic framework to estimate ancestral states. IFT had likely four independent origins, while MFT emerged twice independently. After being gained, tentacles have not been lost. In addition, evolution of MFT coincides with transitions in body position with the midsagittal plane parallel to the substrate in the clades of scallops (Pectinida) and oysters (Ostreida). Such a shift could be related to the increase of mantle exposure, favoring the emergence of serially repeated organs, such as tentacles. Altogether, our results support the convergent evolution of tentacles across different taxonomic levels, corroborating the plasticity of the molluscan body and the relevance of evolutionary convergences in the radiation of bivalves.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1754331
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10253098
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Organisms diversity evolution
- Volume:
- 21
- Issue:
- 2021
- ISSN:
- 1618-1077
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 145-160
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1007/s13127-021-00482-3
