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Data from: Multifaceted impacts of an innovation on dental diversity in an adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes

Peoples, Nick1; Wainwright, Peter1

Published Oct 25, 2025 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.wstqjq30j

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Abstract

Evolutionary innovations bring species into new ecological zones by opening ecological opportunity. However, innovations can have varied effects on morphology, which is determined by both intrinsic properties of the innovation and extrinsic properties of the adaptive zone. Here, we show that the evolution of complex teeth with multiple cusps, a vertebrate innovation, has mixed effects on the trajectory of dental evolution in an adaptive radiation of cichlid fishes. Complex teeth first evolved outside Lake Tanganyika and facilitated a secondary incursion of riverine lineages into the lake through herbivorous niches. Complex dentitions are more restricted and segregate along multiple axes of dental diversity. This dental novelty generated by the evolution of complex teeth was likely spurred by adaptive evolution pulling traits towards distinct optima. By accelerating the diversification of tooth cusps, complex teeth unlocked a new axis of dental diversity, leading to diversification within but not between ecological niches. These patterns are likely driven by the functional demands of herbivory. Our results show that innovations can shape the tempo and mode of morphological change through both intrinsic and extrinsic effects. Because the consequence of innovation is often varied, our results highlight the need to jointly consider these effects to better understand the macroevolutionary diversity of innovations and their outcomes.