JOURNAL ARTICLE

Exploring the relationship between environment and brain morphology in anurans: a comparative phylogenetic approach.

  • Published In: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2025, v. 203, n. 1. P. 1 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Rodrigues, Maycon Vitor; Carvalho-e-Silva, Sergio Potsch de; Rödel, Mark-Oliver; Bezerra, Andressa de Mello 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between ecological and behavioral traits and the morphology of two brain regions—the cerebellum and optic tectum—in 67 species of anurans (frogs and toads) from 32 families worldwide. Using 2D geometric morphometrics within a phylogenetic framework, the study found that species sharing similar environments and daily activity patterns tend to have similarly shaped cerebellum and optic tectum, with diurnal and arboreal species exhibiting greater morphological variation. However, no direct correlation was detected between brain region shape or size and lifestyle or activity mode, suggesting that shared ancestry plays a more significant role in brain morphology evolution in anurans. The authors recommend expanding the sample size across ecological groups and families to clarify these patterns further.

Additional Information

  • Source:Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2025/01, Vol. 203, Issue 1, p1
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Science
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0024-4082
  • DOI:10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae025
  • Accession Number:182905543
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