Deciphering the mandibular shape variation in a group of Malagasy primates using Fourier outline analysis.

The analysis of morphological variation is a powerful tool with major applications, both for the estimation of biological diversity and for the understanding of the fundamental parameters of species' ecology. Our work indicates that, if mandibular shape variation is mainly driven by dietary adaptation, other variables describing ecology and habitat should be considered and taken into account for an integrative understanding of species resources and the establishment of conservation measures.