Morphological diversity in tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae): comparing tenrec skull diversity to their closest relatives

Abstract

Morphological diversity is often studied qualitatively. However, to truly understand the evolution of exceptional diversity, it is important to take a quantitative approach instead of relying on subjective, qualitative assessments. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of morphological diversity in a Family of small mammals, the tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae). Tenrecs are often cited as an example of an exceptionally morphologically diverse group. However, this assumption has not been tested quantitatively. We use geometric morphometric analyses of skull shape to test whether tenrecs are more morphologically diverse than their closest relatives, the golden moles (Afrosoricida, Chrysochloridae). Tenrecs occupy a wider range of ecological niches than golden moles so we predict that they will be more morphologically diverse. Contrary to our expectations, We find that tenrec skulls are only more morphologically diverse than golden moles when measured in lateral view. Furthermore, similarities among the species-rich Microgale tenrec Genus appear to mask higher morphological diversity in the rest of the Family. These results reveal new insights into the morphological diversity of tenrecs and highlight the importance of using quantitative methods to test qualitative assumptions about patterns of morphological diversity.

Creating diversity in mammalian facial morphology: a review of potential developmental mechanisms

“…Tenrec skulls are less morphologically diverse than those of golden moles. It is suggested that the similarities in skull morphology among the speciose genus Microgale masks morphological diversity among the rest of the family [ 111 ] Hyracoidea All four extant hyrax species have short skulls and deep dentary bones. The skull has a postorbital bar, which is sometime complete ( Dendrohyrax ) and sometime incomplete ( Heterohyrax and Procavia ) None Proboscidea All extant elephant species (Loxodonta and Elephas ) have short, tall skulls which are pneumatized particularly in the cranial roof, thereby reducing cranium weight.…”