Weak integration allows novel fin shapes and spurs locomotor diversity in reef fishes

In complex functional systems composed of many traits, selection for specialized function can induce trait evolution by acting directly on individual components within the system, or indirectly through networks of trait integration. However, strong integration can also hinder diversification into regions of trait space that are not aligned with axes of covariation among traits. As a result, non-independence among traits may limit capacity for functional expansion. We explore this dynamic in the evolution of fin shapes in 106 species from 38 families of coral reef fishes, a polyphyletic assemblage that shows exceptional diversity in locomotor function. Despite strong shared developmental pathways and expectations of a strong match between form and function, we find that species that share swimming mode show substantial disparity in fin shape, and preferred swimming mode is a poor predictor of fin shape. The evolution of fin shape is weakly integrated across the four functionally dominant..., , , # Weak integration allows novel fin shapes and spurs locomotor diversity in reef fishes

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.crjdfn3dm](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.crjdfn3dm)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset contains geometric morphometric fin shape data, naming convention files associated with the shape data, an R script that contains all analyses and figures. The files we generated by running the script and used for analyses for rates of fin shape evolution, hypervolume simulation outputs, and stoachastic character mapping of swimming mode onto the phylogeny are provided so that users may verify similar results on their machines. 

### Files and variables

#### File: FinRates2.csv

**Description:** This file contains the evolutionary rates and disparity calculated using the R package 'geomorph'. 

##### Variables

* fin: The type of fin on the fish for which the rate and disparity is calculated
* group: The swimming mode used by the fish. BCF = Body Caudal Fin...