Cetacean reinvasion of the aquatic realm is an iconic ecological transition that led to drastic
modifications of the mammalian body plan, especially in the axial skeleton. Relative to the …

In this study, we investigate how the terrestrial-aquatic transition influenced patterns of axial
integration and modularity in response to the secondary adaptation to a marine lifestyle. We …

Carnivores (cats, dogs and kin) are a diverse group of mammals that inhabit a remarkable
range of ecological niches. While the relationship between ecology and morphology has …

The vertebral column is a multicomponent structure whose organization results from
developmental and functional demands. According to their distinct somitic origins, individual …

The diversity of vertebrate skeletons is often attributed to adaptations to distinct ecological
factors such as diet, locomotion, and sensory environment. Although the adaptive evolution …

Carnivorans are well‐known for their exceptional backbone mobility, which enables them to
excel in fast running and long jum**, leading to them being among the most successful …

The regionalization of the mammalian spinal column is an important evolutionary,
developmental, and functional hallmark of the clade. Vertebral column regions are usually …

The Triassic radiation of vertebrates saw the emergence of the modern vertebrate groups, as
well as numerous extinct animals exhibiting conspicuous, unique anatomical characteristics …

The repeated returns of vertebrates to the marine ecosystems since the Triassic serve as an
evolutionary model to understand macroevolutionary change. Here we investigate the …

Lumbar vertebrae are an important functional unit of the spine in mammals. Although the
correlation between lumbar morphology and function in extant mammals is well known, the …