Ecomorphological datasets: comment on Hopkins (2022)

Abstract

The advent of new and powerful mathematical methods allows us to carry out multidimensional analyses of traits. Regarding disparity the number of methods to measure morphological variation within a taxonomical group is vast and the choice of a single disparity index can limit the interpretation of the results. The use of two disparity indexes, the sum of ranges and the sum of variances by Hopkins (2022) enriched the work by Suárez & Esteve (2021). The interpretation of the results of any sort is based on the analysed data, in this case our ecomorphological dataset. We point out the importance of an accurate ecomorphological dataset, as taxonomic mistakes or ecological misinterpretations are unavoidable and continuous updating is therefore mandatory. The updated ecomorphological dataset, using appropriate indexes and resampling, provides new and exciting results which show us a new complex scenario in the evolution of trilobites throughout the Palaeozoic.