Shape-shifting: changing animal morphologies as a response to climatic warming.
Trends Ecol Evol
; 36(11): 1036-1048, 2021 11.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34507845
ABSTRACT
Many animal appendages, such as avian beaks and mammalian ears, can be used to dissipate excess body heat. Allen's rule, wherein animals in warmer climates have larger appendages to facilitate more efficient heat exchange, reflects this. We find that there is widespread evidence of 'shape-shifting' (changes in appendage size) in endotherms in response to climate change and its associated climatic warming. We re-examine studies of morphological change over time within a thermoregulatory context, finding evidence that temperature can be a strong predictor of morphological change independently of, or combined with, other environmental changes. Last, we discuss how Allen's rule, the degree of temperature change, and other ecological factors facilitate morphological change and make predictions about what animals will show shape-shifting.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Aves
/
Regulación de la Temperatura Corporal
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Trends Ecol Evol
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article