Publications by authors named "Kassandra L Ford"
Apteronotidae and Mormyridae are species-rich clades of weakly electric fishes from Neotropical and Afrotropical freshwaters, respectively, known for their high morphological disparity and often regarded as a classic example of convergent evolution. Here, we use CT-imaging and 3D geometric morphometrics to quantify disparity in craniofacial morphologies, and to test the hypothesis of convergent skull-shape evolution in a phylogenetic context. For this study, we examined 391 specimens representing 78 species of Apteronotidae and Mormyridae including 30 of 37 (81%) of all valid genera with the goal to sample most of the craniofacial disparity known in these clades.
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- Evolutionary transitions among habitats can occur at various scales and timeframes, with electric fishes like Neotropical Gymnotiformes and Afrotropical Mormyroidea serving as examples of potential convergent evolution.
- Despite some superficial similarities in morphology and life history traits, significant differences in habitat use, electric signal diversity, and morphology were observed between the two groups.
- These variances are likely influenced by different biogeographical histories and biotic factors, highlighting the need for further research to better understand electric fishes' adaptations in diverse freshwater environments.