Comparing the strength of modular signal, and evaluating alternative modular hypotheses, using covariance ratio effect sizes with morphometric data
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2019-12
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© 2019 The Author(s). Evolution © 2019 The Society for the Study of Evolution.
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Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology
Abstract
The study of modularity is paramount for understanding trends of phenotypic evolution, and for determining the extent to which covariation patterns are conserved across taxa and levels of biological organization. However, biologists currently lack quantitative methods for statistically comparing the strength of modular signal across datasets, and a robust approach for evaluating alternative modular hypotheses for the same dataset. As a solution to these challenges, we propose an effect size measure ( ) derived from the covariance ratio, and develop hypothesis-testing procedures for their comparison. Computer simulations demonstrate that displays appropriate statistical properties and low levels of mis-specification, implying that it correctly identifies modular signal, when present. By contrast, alternative methods based on likelihood (EMMLi) and goodness of fit (MINT) suffer from high false positive rates and high model mis-specification rates. An empirical example in sigmodontine rodent mandibles is provided to illustrate the utility of for comparing modular hypotheses. Overall, we find that covariance ratio effect sizes are useful for comparing patterns of modular signal across datasets or for evaluating alternative modular hypotheses for the same dataset. Finally, the statistical philosophy for pairwise model comparisons using effect sizes should accommodate any future analytical developments for characterizing modular signal.
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This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Adams, Dean C., and Michael L. Collyer. "Comparing the strength of modular signal, and evaluating alternative modular hypotheses, using covariance ratio effect sizes with morphometric data." Evolution 73, no. 12 (2019): 2352-2367, which has been published in final form at DOI:10.1111/evo.13867. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions. This article may not be enhanced, enriched or otherwise transformed into a derivative work, without express permission from Wiley or by statutory rights under applicable legislation. Copyright notices must not be removed, obscured or modified. The article must be linked to Wiley’s version of record on Wiley Online Library and any embedding, framing or otherwise making available the article or pages thereof by third parties from platforms, services and websites other than Wiley Online Library must be prohibited.