Playing by the rules? Phenotypic adaptation to temperate environments in an American marsupial.

ABSTRACT: Phenotypic variation along environmental gradients can provide evidence suggesting local adaptation has shaped observed morphological disparities. These differences, in traits such as body and extremity size, as well as skin and coat pigmentation, may affect the overall fitness of individuals in their environments. The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is a marsupial that shows phenotypic variation across its range, one that has recently expanded into temperate environments. It is unknown, however, whether the variation observed in the species fits adaptive ecogeographic patterns, or if phenotypic change is associated with any environmental factors. Using phenotypic measurements of over 300 museum specimens of Virginia opossum, collected throughout its distribution range, we a

SUBMITTER: Nigenda-Morales SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5877449 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature