It is important to quantify patterns of morphological diversity to enhance our understanding of variation in ecological and evolutionary traits. Here, we present a quantitative analysis of morphological diversity in a family of small mammals, the tenrecs (Afrosoricida, Tenrecidae). Tenrecs are often cited as an example of an exceptionally morphologically diverse group. However, this assumption has not been tested quantitatively. We use geometric morphometric analyses of skull shape to test whether tenrecs are more morphologically diverse than their closest relatives, the golden moles (Afrosoricida, Chrysochloridae). Tenrecs occupy a wider range of ecological niches than golden moles so we predict that they will be more morphologically diverse. Contrary to our expectations, we find that tenrec skulls are only more morphologically diverse than golden moles when measured in lateral view. Furthermore, similarities among the species-rich
This is an updated version to reflect comments from reviews. Minor changes have been made throughout.
The authors declare they have no competing interests.
The following information was supplied regarding the deposition of related data:
1) "Insectivore" mammal skulls, dorsal view. http: //dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.705863.
2) "Insectivore" mammal skulls, lateral view. http: //dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.715890.
3) "Insectivore" mammal skulls, ventral view. http: //dx.doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.715841.