Defense title: "Differences in morphological traits associated with thermoregulation in two howler monkey species and their hybrids"

Abstract: "Primates, as endotherms, regulate their body temperature regardless of external conditions, driving the evolution of phenotypic traits to adapt to climate variation. Morphological traits often follow Bergmann's and Allen's rules, in which species adapted to colder climates tend to have larger body sizes (Bergmann's) and smaller limb-to-body ratios (LBR) (Allen's rule) to retain heat. However, neotropical primate research on thermoregulation has focused on behavioral strategies, overlooking morphological adaptations. I examined Bergmann's and Allen's rules in Alouatta pigra and A. palliata, sister species that diverged ~3 MYA. Given A. pigra's evolutionary history, and its thicker pelage and presence in higher altitudes than A. palliata, I expected A. pigra to have larger body sizes and smaller LBR than A. palliata. I then extended my analysis to backcrossed hybrids of the two species to assess the influence of admixture on body size and LBR in a warmer hybrid zone. My results were consistent with Bergmann's and Allen's rule. Understanding primate thermoregulation is crucial for conservation, as it sheds light on their capacity to adapt to changing environments."

Poster photo credits: Milagros González

This is a hybrid event.
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Zoom link: https://umich.zoom.us/j/98320971369
Meeting ID: 983 2097 1369
Passcode: howler