Using two- and three-dimensional landmark data to examine the shape variation of Elliptio complanata from two heavily impounded rivers in northern New York (USA)

Abstract

Despite vast improvements in the quantification of shape variation with geometric morphometric methods, evaluating morphological variation in unionids has remained difficult due to the lack of measurable landmarks on shells and their overall morphological plasticity. In this study, we supplement traditional two-dimensional landmark data with three-dimensional landmark data. Using photogrammetry, we generate three-dimensional models that are landmarked. This approach adds a new, third dimension to capture shape changes, providing a more detailed understanding of the shell topography. With this method, we explore the differences in shell shape along river stretches of two heavily impounded rivers in northern New York (USA). We ask whether isolation by distance, presence of dams and/or difference in land use around sampling localities impact the shell morphologies of Elliptio complanata populations. Our data suggest that, although separated for almost a century, these unionid populations do not show a pattern of increased morphological difference with distance. But we find that broad, rounded morphs that are posteriorly extended occur more frequently in reservoir environments while unaltered river habitats have a higher number of slim and more elongated variants.