ABSTRACT Holocentridae are nocturnal reef fishes that rely on acoustic communication in various behavioral contexts. Using a multidisciplinary approach combining phylogenetics, morphology, and acoustic data from 53 species, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of this communication system within the family. Our results reveal two main clades corresponding to the subfamilies Myripristinae and Holocentrinae, with congruent differences in both the morphology of the sound-producing apparatus and acoustic features. Interestingly, at finer taxonomic scales, closely related species often share similar sound-producing structures but can produce distinct sounds. This suggests that the evolution of acoustic communication in Holocentridae follows a three-step diversification pattern: (1) the emergence of structures enabling sound production; (2) differentiation of sound-producing mechanisms within each subfamily, likely constrained by internal factors such as the swim bladder morphology; and (3) further diversification through differentiated use of conserved mechanisms, consistent with a role of neurophysiological modulation. This scenario mirrors patterns observed in other functional traits, where morphological innovations open new functional pathways, followed by fine-scale diversification based on the flexible exploitation of similar structures. It provides one of the first evolutionary reconstructions of sound production mechanisms in fishes, expanding our understanding of the evolution of complex signaling systems.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2026
This study provides a refined view on the diet and ecological niche of Neanderthals. The traditional view is that Neanderthals obtained most of their dietary protein from terrestrial animals, especially from large herbivores that roamed the open landscapes. Evidence based on the conventional carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of bulk collagen has supported this view, although recent findings based on plant remains in the tooth calculus, microwear analyses, and small game and marine animal remains from archaeological sites have raised some questions regarding this assumption. However, the lack of a protein source other than meat in the Neanderthal diet may be due to methodological difficulties in defining the isotopic composition of plants. Based on the nitrogen isotopic composition of glutamic acid and phenylalanine in collagen for Neanderthals from Spy Cave (Belgium), we show that i) there was an inter-individual dietary heterogeneity even within one archaeological site that has not been evident in bulk collagen isotopic compositions, ii) they occupied an ecological niche different from those of hyenas, and iii) they could rely on plants for up to ∼20\% of their protein source. These results are consistent with the evidence found of plant consumption by the Spy Neanderthals, suggesting a broader subsistence strategy than previously considered.
Located in
Library
/
RBINS Staff Publications 2016
