Ecomorphological datasets: comment on Hopkins (2022)

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 Suarez & 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.. Trilobites, evolution, morphological variation, disparity, Palaeozoic

Automated summary

The advent of new mathematical methods enables multidimensional analyses of traits. The choice of a single disparity index may limit the interpretation of morphological variation within a taxonomical group. The use of two disparity indexes enriches the work and the interpretation relies on the analyzed ecomorphological dataset. An accurate dataset is crucial, as taxonomic mistakes and ecological misinterpretations are inevitable, and continuous updating is mandatory. The updated dataset, with appropriate indexes and resampling, reveals a complex scenario in the evolution of trilobites throughout the Palaeozoic.