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Constraints of ligament growth, form and function on evolution in the Arcoida (Mollusca: Bivalvia)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2016

R. D. K. Thomas
R. D. K. Thomas*
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604
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Abstract

Growth processes and patterns set functional limits on the adaptive range of organisms that have evolved a particular “Bauplan.” The design of the elastic ligament has played a large part in determining the scope of the evolutionary radiation of the Arcoida. Tensional lamellar and compressional fibrous materials of this ligament, which appear to be similar in their elastic properties to those of other bivalves, are not segregated in positions where they could best perform their different mechanical functions. The growth of this unspecialized ligament exhibits strong positive allometry, with respect to shell size, in many fossil and living arcoids. A simple mechanical model shows that this allometry is essential if the strength of the ligament is to keep up with the weight of the animal, during ontogeny. Inherent disadvantages of the allometry include increasing dorsal breakage of the ligament itself, interference with the function of the hinge teeth and reduction of the closing moment exerted by the adductor muscles. Direct measurements of living arcoids show that allometric growth just maintains a linear relationship between ligament strength and animal volume. Major differences in ligament strength are related to shell growth patterns and substantially different environmental adaptations. Ligament strength is highly variable within individual populations; between populations, it is correlated with shell thickness and local environmental conditions. Most arcoids are adapted for shallow-burrowing or epifaunal modes of life in physically unstable environments, where they are frequently disturbed. The large, muscular foot enables these mobile animals to regain suitable living positions after such disturbances. The weak ligament has limited the potential specialization of the arcoids for either deeper burrowing or permanent epibyssal attachment, also requiring the retention of the foot in epifaunal forms. This ligament has made diverse adaptations possible, while preventing extreme specialization, except in isolated taxa. As such, it is largely responsible for the evolutionary reversals documented by Stanley (1972). This is konstrukionsmorphologie No. 46.

Type
Research Article
Information
Paleobiology , Volume 2 , Issue 1 , Winter 1976 , pp. 64 - 83
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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References

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