Patterns of morphological convergence and habitat specialization in mayfly lineages across flow regimes: a review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64171/JAE.6.2.4-9Keywords:
Diversity, Environments, Morphological, Mayfly, SpecializationAbstract
Morphological convergence is a recurrent outcome of environmental filtering in freshwater ecosystems, where hydrological conditions strongly shape organismal form and function. This study investigates patterns of morphological convergence and habitat specialization among diverse mayfly (order Ephemeroptera) lineages distributed across contrasting flow regimes, including lentic, low-flow lotic, and high-velocity stream environments. Using comparative morphometric analyses and phylogenetically informed models, we quantify variation in body flattening, limb robustness, gill structure, and attachment-related traits. Results reveal repeated evolution of dorsoventrally flattened bodies and expanded femora in high-flow specialists, traits that enhance substrate adherence and reduce drag. Conversely, taxa inhabiting slow-flow or standing waters exhibit streamlined or cylindrical forms, elongated gills, and increased swimming appendage surface area, facilitating respiration and maneuverability. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that these trait syndromes have evolved independently multiple times, demonstrating strong ecological filtering across lineages. Habitat specialization is associated with reduced morphological disparity within flow categories but increased divergence among regimes. Our findings highlight the interplay between hydrodynamic forces and evolutionary trajectories, underscoring the role of flow-mediated selection in structuring morphological diversity.
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