International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 174-185 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmeb 174 Feature Review Open Access Evolutionary Trends in Beetle Morphology: Insights from Fossil Records Guanli Fu Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding author: guanli.fu@hibio.org International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 2024, Vol.14, No.4 doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0019 Received: 19 Jun., 2024 Accepted: 24 Jul., 2024 Published: 03 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Fu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fu G.L., 2024, Evolutionary trends in beetle morphology: insights from fossil records, International Journal of Molecular Evolution and Biodiversity, 14(4): 174-185 (doi: 10.5376/ijmeb.2024.14.0019) Abstract This study delves into the evolutionary trends in beetle morphology, drawing extensively from fossil records to provide comprehensive insights. Key findings reveal significant morphological adaptations in beetles, such as the development of elytra, variations in mouthpart structures, and changes in limb morphology, which have enabled beetles to thrive in diverse ecological niches. The study also underscores the critical role of climatic changes, predation, competition pressures, and habitat adaptations in shaping these morphological traits. Case studies highlight unique insights, such as the evolution of hardened forewings and specialized feeding structures, emphasizing the intricate interplay between environmental factors and morphological evolution. By integrating fossil evidence with modern technological approaches, this study enhances our understanding of beetle evolutionary history and its broader implications for evolutionary biology. Keywords Beetle morphology; Evolutionary trends; Fossil records; Elytra development; Morphological adaptations 1 Introduction Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth, with over 380 000 described species and potentially millions more yet to be discovered (Cai et al., 2021). This incredible diversity makes beetles a fascinating subject for evolutionary studies. Understanding the evolutionary trends in beetle morphology is crucial. It provides insights into how beetles have adapted to various ecological niches over millions of years. Studying these trends through fossil records allows scientists to trace the lineage and diversification of beetles, offering a window into the past that can help explain present-day biodiversity (Mckenna et al., 2019). Fossil records are invaluable in this context as they provide direct evidence of past life forms and their morphological characteristics. By examining beetle fossils, researchers can identify significant evolutionary events, such as the emergence of new species, adaptations to changing environments, and responses to mass extinction events (Smith and Marcot, 2015; Kundrata et al., 2021). These records also help in calibrating molecular phylogenies, thereby refining our understanding of beetle evolution (Mckenna et al., 2015). This study is to synthesize current knowledge on the evolution of beetle morphology. This involves compiling and analyzing data from various studies that have utilized fossil records to understand the morphological changes in beetles over time. By providing a comprehensive overview of the evolutionary trends in beetle morphology, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that have shaped the incredible diversity of beetles we see today. By doing so, this study aims to highlight key insights gained from these fossil records, such as the timing and drivers of major diversification events, the impact of ecological factors on beetle morphology, and the evolutionary significance of specific morphological traits. 2 Beetle Morphology: An Overview 2.1 General Morphological Characteristics Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, exhibit a highly diverse range of morphological traits, yet they share a common basic anatomy. The body of a beetle is divided into three main parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head houses sensory organs such as compound eyes and antennae, as well as mouthparts adapted for various feeding habits. The thorax is segmented into three parts: the prothorax, mesothorax, and metathorax, each bearing
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