Insights from macroevolutionary modelling and ancestral state reconstruction into the radiation and historical dietary ecology of Lemuriformes (Primates, Mammalia)

Abstract Background Lemurs once rivalled the diversity of rest primate order despite thier confinement to island Madagascar. We test adaptive radiation model Malagasy lemur using a novel combination phylogenetic comparative methods and geometric for quantifying tooth shape. Results apply macroevolutionary fitting approaches disparity through time analysis dental topography metrics associated with dietary adaptation, an aspect mammalian ecology which appears be closely related diversification in many clades. Metrics were also reconstructed at internal nodes tree these reconstructions combined generate classification probabilities discriminant function analysis. used calculate rates transition toward folivory per million-year intervals. Finally, lower second molar shape was by modelling change 3D meshes squared parsimony along branches tree. Our analyses do not recover early burst or pattern partitioning subclade disparity. However, adaptations highest during Oligocene, interval possible forest expansion on island. Conclusions There no clear signal bursts morphological evolution history. Reconstruction morphologies corresponding ancestral suggest that this may have been driven shift defended plant resources, however. This suggests response ecological opportunity offered expanding forests, but necessarily classic initiated dispersal