The Morphology and Evolutionary Change of Mandibles of Select Species within Ephemeroptera

Within the order Ephemeroptera, the relationship between morphology and food and niche specialization is poorly studied. In particular, mandibular morphology has not been well documented. Due to the absence of this data, the function of the mandibles has not yet been completely understood. These species have been found across North and Central America, and therefore inhabit many different niches. The purpose, or advantage, specific differentiations in morphology between the mandibular structures of this order to different niches is unknown. The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how changes in the morphology of mandibles has resulted in feeding and niche specialization. If successful, function can be carefully inferred from the morphology data found