Morphological variation in Blommersia pelvic shape coincides with muscular architecture and parallels genus phylogenetic evolution

摘要: ABSTRACT Mantellids are a hyperdiverse group of frogs endemic to Madagascar, showing large variation in morphology and ecological specialization that parallels their phylogenetic diversification. Among them, the genus Blommersia comprises several small species miniature frogs, two which occur syntopy on Comorian archipelago, was colonized by ancestor millions years ago an event transoceanic dispersal from Madagascar. They have evolved isolation, has supposed evolutionary experiment morphological genetic divergence without competition. In mantellids, as well other amphibians, body size is correlated with capabilities these may allowed colonization new habitats parallel divergence. Consequently, we hypothesized musculoskeletal anatomy implicated locomotor performance would reflect potential differences between accordance diversification into different niches lifestyles. To tackle this question focused one main components anuran system: pelvis. We compared pelvic shape seven species, special emphasis sister pair Malagasy taxon. addition, mapped for first time insertion sites musculature pelvis means customized contrast staining technique prior CT-scanning. Morphological distances resulting comparison high extent 16S distances. accordance, discuss observed patterns relationship context architecture evolution anurans its interactions function genus.