The Anatomical Record· 2026Q1
Morphological variation of the conus arteriosus in Chondrichthyes: Implications for ecology and evolution
- 0citations
- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
The number and arrangement of valves in the conus arteriosus (a heart component) of cartilaginous fish vary significantly, with up to six rows observed in sharks, and this variation strongly correlates with their lifestyle and movement demands, rather than solely with evolutionary relationships.
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Key points
- Up to six rows of conal valves were observed in sharks, exceeding previous counts.
- Detailed conal valve morphology was described for the first time in Torpediniformes and Squatiniformes.
- Conal valve morphology shows a weak correlation with phylogenetic relationships.
- Conal valve morphology is strongly associated with locomotor demands and lifestyle.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Abstract Cartilaginous fish have diverse morphological traits that are essential for understanding their evolutionary history and ecological adaptations. However, the conus arteriosus and its valves, key components of the heart and blood circulation, have been underexplored in phylogenetic and ecomorphological contexts. Here, we (1) characterize the morphological diversity and distribution of conal valves across Chondrichthyes, (2) evaluate the phylogenetic signal of valve characters and their potential usefulness for understanding evolutionary relationships, and (3) test whether variation in valve morphology is associated with lifestyle and locomotor demands. Our results show that the number of valves, as well as their distribution along the conus arteriosus , is generally consistent with the pattern observed in previous studies of two to seven rows of valves, with predominantly three series. Novel findings include a higher number of valve rows (up to six) than previously found in sharks and the first detailed descriptions for the orders Torpediniformes and Squatiniformes. Our results indicate that conal morphology is weakly correlated with phylogeny, but is strongly associated with locomotor demands and lifestyle.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. The Anatomical Record, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Urology
UrologyMedicine