Data from: Evolution and functional implications of stinger shape in ants
Data files
Oct 17, 2024 version files 506.28 MB
Abstract
Trait diversification is often driven by underlying performance tradeoffs in the context of different selective pressures. Evolutionary changes in task specialization may influence how species respond to tradeoffs and alter diversification. We conducted this study to investigate the functional morphology, evolutionary history and tempo, and mode of evolution of the Hymenoptera stinger using Ectatomminae ants as a model clade. We hypothesized that a performance tradeoff surface underlies the diversity of stinger morphology and that shifts between predatory and omnivorous diets mediate the diversification dynamics of the trait. Shape variation was characterized by X-ray microtomography, and the correlation between shape and average values of von Mises stress, as a measure of yield failure criteria under loading conditions typical of puncture scenarios, was determined using finite element analysis. We observed that stinger elongation underlies most of the shape variation but found no evidence of biomechanical tradeoffs in the performance characteristics measured. Additionally, omnivores have increased phenotypic shifts and accelerated evolution in performance metrics, suggesting the evolution of dietary flexibility releases selection pressure on a specific function, resulting in a greater phenotypic evolutionary rate. These results increase our understanding of the biomechanical basis of stinger shape, indicate that shape diversity is not the outcome of simple biomechanical optimization, and reveal connections between diet and trait diversification.
README: Evolution and functional implications of stinger shape in ants
https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.15dv41p5w
Description of the data and file structure
Files and variables
File: Supplementary_Eletronic_Material_S1_-_Ectatomminae_trimmed_tree.zip
Description: A modified concatenated ultra conserved element Ectatomminae phylogeny based on a phylogenomic maximum likelihood analysis of a 90% complete data set (150 taxa) (see Camacho et al. 2022).
File: Supplementary_Eletronic_Material_S2_-_Stinger_3D_models.zip
Description: 3D reconstructions of stinger micro-CT scans. Reconstructions were performed using 3D Slicer software. The stinger 3D models are provided in STL (stereolithography) format and can be opened, visualised, and edited using any 3D design software (e.g., Blender, MeshLab, etc.).