The evolution of behavioural systems: a study of grooming in rodents

摘要: In the present paper we focus on study of complex behavioural systems, within an explicit phylogenetic framework. We reconstruct phylogeny rodents using grooming sequences from 12 terminals. Using a method derived graph theory, decompose systems into strings units (behavioural routines) which are then used as characters to compose matrix in addition three mitochondrial markers molecular (the cytochrome b gene (cytb), 16S ribosomal RNA and 12S gene). Our results point highly structured morphospace: only few have been selected for, total space possibilities. The optimization hundreds non-homoplastic routines onto distinct phylogenies (behavioural, combined data supertree Fabre et al., 2012) reveals same evolutionary trend simple complex: while (zero- or first-order sequences) synapomorphies at basal levels phylogeny, progressively more behaviours evolve later, appearing closer tips phylogeny. Also, shows that organisation modules coordinated action patterns first evolved around large body parts, namely head trunk, were later fused one single organising module among rodents. support use promising tool scenarios discuss role length microstructure provide information elucidate processes.