Cranial integration in the ring-necked parakeet, <i>Psittacula krameri</i> (Psittaciformes: Psittaculidae)

Abstract The study of integration and modularity aims to describe the organization components that make up organisms, evolutionary, developmental functional relationships among them. Both have been studied at interspecific (evolutionary) intraspecific (phenotypic ontogenetic) levels different degrees across various clades. Although evolutionary are well-characterized birds, knowledge patterns is lacking. Here, we use a high-density, three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach investigate in Psittacula krameri, highly successful invasive parrot species exhibits derived vertical palate cranio-facial hinge Psittaciformes. Showing pattern nine distinct cranial modules, our results support findings from recent research uses similar methods birds. Allometry not significant influence on shape variation within this species; however, within-module significantly negatively correlated with disparity, high concentrated weakly integrated rostrum, vault modules. As previous studies demonstrated differences beak between native populations, rostrum may facilitated change these parts skull, contributing ring-necked parakeet’s success as an species.