Macroevolutionary ecomorphology of the Carnivora skull: adaptations and constraints in the extant species

Abstract The mammalian order Carnivora is characterized by a broad taxonomic and ecological diversity. By using large sample of extant species, we tested the impact factors on carnivoran skull (cranium mandible) morphology, taking advantage combined geometric morphometrics comparative method approach. We implemented several evolutionary models to account for different tempo mode evolution in size shape data. These validated association between morphology diet at interspecific scale. functional distinction pinniped (aquatic) fissiped (mostly terrestrial) taxa was found valid only mandible cranial size. High levels morphological disparity rates were identified specialized dietary groups, positive Cranium showed consistent patterns covariation that reflect constrained processes, which stabilize ecomorphological Carnivora. Aquatic adaptations allowed carnivorans invade persist within novel regions mandibular morphospace. This shift did not increase but occurred faster rate than terrestrial species. Those species exhibit stronger level cranio-mandibular due constraints imposed more demanding masticatory adaptations.