Data from: Effect of craniofacial genotype on the relationship between morphology and feeding performance in cichlid fishes

The relationship between morphology and performance is complex, but important for understanding the adaptive nature of morphological variation. Recent studies have sought to better understand this system by illuminating the interconnectedness of different functional systems; however, the role of genetics is often overlooked. In this study, we attempt to gain insights into this relationship by examining the effect of genotypic variation at putative craniofacial loci on the relationship between morphology and feeding performance in cichlids. We studied two morphologically disparate species, as well as a morphologically intermediate hybrid population. We assessed feeding performance, jaw protrusion, and general facial morphology for each fish. We also genotyped hybrid animals at six previously identified craniofacial loci. Cichlid species were found to differ in facial geometry, kinematic morphology, and performance. Significant correlations were also noted between these variables; however, the explanatory power of facial geometry in predicting performance was relatively poor. Notably, when hybrids were grouped by genotype, the relationship between shape and performance improved. This relationship was especially robust in animals with the specialist allele at sox9b, a well-characterized regulator of craniofacial development. These data suggest a novel role for genotype in influencing complex relationships between form and function.形态学与性能之间的关联复杂多变，但对于理解形态变异的适应性本质至关重要。过往研究多通过阐明不同功能系统间的内在关联，以期更深入解析该关联体系，但遗传学的作用常被忽视。本研究通过探究推定颅面位点（putative craniofacial loci）的基因型变异对慈鲷（cichlids）形态学与摄食性能之间关联的影响，以期深入剖析该问题。本研究选取两个形态差异显著的物种，以及一个形态介于二者之间的杂交种群作为研究对象。我们对每尾实验鱼的摄食性能、颌部突出度及整体面部形态进行了评估，同时对6个已被先前研究证实的颅面位点完成了杂交个体的基因分型。实验结果显示，不同慈鲷物种在面部几何形态、运动学形态及性能上均存在显著差异。上述变量间也存在显著相关性，但面部几何形态对性能的预测能力相对较弱。值得注意的是，当杂交个体按基因型分组后，形态与性能之间的关联显著增强。在携带经充分表征的颅面发育调控因子sox9b的特化等位基因的个体中，该关联尤为稳固。本研究数据表明，基因型在影响形态与功能间的复杂关联中具有此前未被揭示的作用。