Head width and hind femur length of G. fultoni were more similar to those of G. vernalis in sympatric populations than in allopatric populations, resulting in morphological convergence of G. fultoni and G. vernalis in sympatry.
As more sequence data become available, it is increasingly clear that morphological convergence of ascocarp types is not uncommon, and that the evolution of ascocarps and modes of ascus and ascocarp dehiscence are frequently associated with common spore dispersal strategies [ 5, 6, 4].
Molecular phylogenetic and clock analyses can help to cut through the confusion of morphological convergence to help to resolve the evolutionary and biogeographic history of subterranean taxa [41] [43].
This morphotype is associated with lacustrine habitats, suggesting that its recurrent evolution is a result of morphological convergence to similar ecological factors; similar patterns have been shown in other freshwater fishes [ 37, 38, 41, 45, 49].
However, despite this exceptional degree of morphological convergence, the analysis of osteological characters in a modern phylogenetic framework is able to parse out the numerous similarities in the penguin and plotopterid pectoral girdle and appendages as the result of homoplasy (e.g., characters 107 , 159 164, 165, 198, 210, 220, 229, 248, 256).
Overall, our phylogenetic results demonstrate an instance of striking morphological convergence between two clades of spiny eels in the LCR.
Coupled with the fact that both loons and grebes are foot-propelled pursuit divers, this pattern raises the possibility that this relationship is the result of morphological convergence in the pelvis and hindlimb of these taxa.
Further incidences of morphological convergence were found in troglobitic morphotypes of Astyanax jordani (this has been noted by previous authors [ 37, 38, 50]), providing further evidence of independent (at least two different times, see Figure 6) adaptation to troglobitic habitats.
Agamids show a certain level of morphological convergence with iguanids whereas chamaeleonids are morphologically quite unique in various organs, such as eye, tongue, tail, and toe [ 1].
have to date not been the subject of a detailed phylogenetic study, it is unclear if these taxonomic changes reflect the evolutionary relationships within this portion of the genus or are examples of morphological convergence [ 10].
There is a proliferation of cryptic species in subterranean habitats both because of limited study due to difficult access and rampant morphological convergence in the face of strong, similar selective pressures [7], [8], [43].
