Meeting Abstract
Phenotypic integration is a major theme in evolutionary biology, focusing on the complex patterns of covariation among morphological structures, physiological traits, systems, or behaviors of an organism. In the context of biomechanical integration, morphology and motion (driven by motor systems) are often the center of focus. When sensorimotor integration is investigated, it is often limited to the neuromuscular control of locomotion. Among non-human animals, however, locomotion and feeding are often dependent on a variety of sensory modalities, such as visual, mechanical and/or thermal cues. For some species, multisensory integration is common, and may also provide a redundancy that becomes important when one or more sensory modality changes or is disrupted. Utilizing different sensory cues may also alter the patterns of motor integration (e.g. locomotion and feeding), thereby altering the performance outcome. Using multiple animal systems (fishes, geckos, and snakes), we explore the links between integrated suites of traits and performance outcomes. Specifically, we address the hypothesis that rich sensory input enhances the ability of animals to integrate different motor systems during tasks. If this leads to greater success/performance, then this has likely driven the evolution of biomechanical traits. If sensory input is a constraint, then animals can alter their strategies in the face of temporal shifts in sensory environments, as is likely common for every animal, or limit a specific behavior to a time when the level of sensory input is adequate for the successful execution of important tasks. Finally, we develop a framework for assessing the integrated phenotype in the context of the sensory environment.
