Data from: Sexual selection on skeletal shape in Carnivora

Lifetime reproductive success of males is often dependent upon the ability
to physically compete for mates. However, species variation in social
structure leads to differences in the relative importance of intraspecific
aggression. Here we present a large comparative data set on sexual
dimorphism in skeletal shape in Carnivora to test the hypotheses that
carnivorans exhibit sexual dimorphism in skeletal anatomy that is
reflective of greater specialization for physical aggression in males
relative to females and that this dimorphism is associated with the
intensity of sexual selection. We tested these hypotheses using a set of
functional indices predicted to improve aggressive performance. Our
results indicate that skeletal shape dimorphism is widespread within our
sample. Functional traits thought to enhance aggressive performance are
more pronounced in males. Phylogenetic model selection suggests that the
evolution of this dimorphism is driven by sexual selection, with the
best-fitting model indicating greater dimorphism in polygynous versus
non-polygynous species. Skeletal shape dimorphism is correlated with body
size dimorphism, a common indicator of the intensity of male-male
competition, but not with mean body size. These results represent the
first evidence of sexual dimorphism in the primary locomotor system of a
large sample of mammals.