Ontogeny and evolution within the Myophorellidae (Bivalvia): Paedomorphic trends

Abstract

The role of heterochronic phenomena in molluscan evolution is insufficiently understood but potentially significant. The aim of this paper is to explore some paedomorphic trends in the evolution of the Myophorellidae (Bivalvia: Trigoniida). Early ontogeny of general shell shape and ornamentation of one species of Steinmanella was analyzed and compared to data obtained for three species of Myophorella: two belonging to the subgenus M. (Promyophorella) (one from the Jurassic and one from the Cretaceous) and one belonging to the Jurassic M. (Myophorella). For general shell shape, a geometric morphometric analysis was performed on lateral views of the shells. Regarding ornamentation, flank costal disposition on the marginal carina, tubercle separation and relative development of the sub-commarginal subset of flank costae were quantified. A qualitative analysis was also performed. A two-trend shell shape development is considered as primitive. The first trend is marked by a relative reduction of the posterior margin together with a relative elongation of the shell. A tangential opisthogyrate growth component characterizes the second trend. There is a transitional stage where both trends interact. Early flank ornamentation is characterized by two or three sub-commarginal costae, continuous through the area, after which oblique costae with fine tubercles start to form. The subgenus M. (Myophorella) evolved by paedomorphic retention of juvenile shell shape and ornamentation, resulting in a large shell with coarse tubercles. Shell morphology in Steinmanella evolved by paedomorphic suppression of the primitive second trend in the development of the shell, resulting in an orthogyrate shell shape, and the retention of juvenile ornamentation (coarse tubercles, more sub-commarginal costae, juvenile rates of costal disposition). The paedomorphic (most likely by deceleration) retention of juvenile shell morphology within the Myophorellidae seems to have been recurrent within the group, resulting in many cases of convergence, and obscuring the phylogenetic relationships among its species.