From Form to Function: Evolutionary Perspectives on Tetrapod Morphology
A special issue of Biology (ISSN 2079-7737). This special issue belongs to the section "Zoology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 January 2027 | Viewed by 13
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue of Biology dedicated to the study of morphological evolution in tetrapods. Tetrapods constitute a key group for understanding the evolutionary processes that shape organismal form, as they encompass a wide range of body plans, developmental strategies, ecological transitions, and functional specializations.
The evolution of morphological structures in tetrapods reflects the complex interaction among developmental processes, functional demands, and phylogenetic history. Integrative approaches that combine anatomy, development, and evolutionary biology have been fundamental for identifying both conserved patterns and lineage-specific innovations. In particular, amphibians—and especially anurans—have long been recognized as powerful model systems for exploring the links between development, function, and evolutionary diversification, owing to their biphasic life cycles, morphological plasticity, and repeated ecological transitions. Insights derived from these systems provide a valuable comparative framework for broader evolutionary inferences across tetrapods.
This Special Issue aims to bring together original research articles and reviews that investigate the morphological evolution of tetrapods through integrative analyses of anatomy and development, examined in relation to function within a phylogenetic context. The topic is fully aligned with the scope of Biology, addressing fundamental questions on organismal biology, evolutionary mechanisms, and phenotypic diversity, while maintaining a coherent and focused thematic framework.
In this Special Issue, we welcome original research articles and reviews. Relevant research areas may include the following topics:
- Evolution of skeletal, muscular, and soft-tissue morphology in tetrapods;
- Developmental bases of morphological variation, constraint, and innovation;
- Functional morphology and biomechanical interpretations of anatomical traits;
- Phylogenetic and comparative approaches to morphological evolution;
- Modularity, integration, and morphological disparity;
- Ontogenetic trajectories and postembryonic morphological change;
- Morphological adaptations associated with ecological transitions and life-history strategies;
- Evolutionary patterns of asymmetry, allometry, and shape variation;
- Comparative studies highlighting amphibians as model systems for understanding tetrapod morphological evolution.
I look forward to receiving your contributions and to assembling a Special Issue that advances integrative perspectives on the evolution of morphology in tetrapods.
Dr. Maria Laura Ponssa
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- morphological evolution
- tetrapods
- anatomy and development
- functional morphology
- evo-devo
- phylogenetic approaches
- morphological integration
- phenotypic diversity
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