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<p>The evolution of diverse life requires biological variation upon which selection can act. Modularity and integration structure patterns of biological variation at every scale of biological organization. Whereas the relationship between patterns of phenotypic modularity and integration and the evolution of morphological disparity is well established, their broader effect on taxonomic diversity and speciation is less clear. Here we review the evidence for how trait covariation patterns can influence the process of diversification. Integration between ecological traits and reproductive traits is an essential element in creating reproductive isolation during ecological speciation, both in sympatry and allopatry. Modularity patterns influence the potential to generate new phenotypes, shaping the potential for rapid morphological and ecological change in adaptive radiations. Speciation via sexual selection can involve a complex process of breaking up and re-assembling phenotypic modules that comprise intraspecific signals. Finally, we discuss open questions about the relationship between modularity, integration and diversification, including how modularity might influence extinction rates.</p>

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Integration and modularity and their role in speciation and evolutionary diversification

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月19日

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  • Kory M. Evans,
  • Ryan Felice

摘要

The evolution of diverse life requires biological variation upon which selection can act. Modularity and integration structure patterns of biological variation at every scale of biological organization. Whereas the relationship between patterns of phenotypic modularity and integration and the evolution of morphological disparity is well established, their broader effect on taxonomic diversity and speciation is less clear. Here we review the evidence for how trait covariation patterns can influence the process of diversification. Integration between ecological traits and reproductive traits is an essential element in creating reproductive isolation during ecological speciation, both in sympatry and allopatry. Modularity patterns influence the potential to generate new phenotypes, shaping the potential for rapid morphological and ecological change in adaptive radiations. Speciation via sexual selection can involve a complex process of breaking up and re-assembling phenotypic modules that comprise intraspecific signals. Finally, we discuss open questions about the relationship between modularity, integration and diversification, including how modularity might influence extinction rates.