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Dickinson E, Young MW, Flaim ND, Sawiec A, Granatosky MC. A functional framework for interpreting phalangeal form. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230251. [PMID: 37582408 PMCID: PMC10427194 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Across tetrapods, the proportional lengths of the manual and pedal phalanges are highly constrained, following a generalized blueprint of shortening in a proximodistal gradient. Despite this, several lineages of both mammals (e.g. sloths, bats and colugos) and birds (e.g. raptors, parrots and woodpeckers) have broken this pattern, shortening the proximal phalanx while elongating more distal elements. As yet, no unifying explanation for this convergence has been empirically evaluated. This study combines a comparative phylogenetic assessment of phalangeal morphology across mammals and birds with a novel bioinspired robotics approach to explicitly test functional hypotheses relating to these morphotypes. We demonstrate that shortening the proximal phalanx allows taxa to maximize forces produced at the proximal interphalangeal joint, while elongation of subsequent elements maintains total ray length-ensuring arboreal species can still enclose large-diameter supports. Within suspensory and vertically clinging mammals, we additionally observe a secondary adaptation towards maximizing grip strength: namely increasing the height of the trochleae to increase the moment arm of digital flexor muscles that cross the joint. Together, our analyses highlight that numerous tetrapod lineages independently converged upon this morphotype to maximize proximal gripping strength, an adaptation to support specialized hunting and locomotor behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Dickinson
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Melody W. Young
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas D. Flaim
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Aleksander Sawiec
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
| | - Michael C. Granatosky
- Department of Anatomy, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, NY, USA
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2
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Manzano A, Abdala V. An overview of the osseous palmar sesamoid in Anura, with the particular case of some Rhinella species. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15063. [PMID: 37214098 PMCID: PMC10194070 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Sesamoids are generally regarded as structures that are not part of the tetrapod body plan. The presence of a palmar sesamoid is assumed to serve as a distribution point for the forces of the flexor digitorum communis muscle to the flexor tendons of the digits, which are embedded in the flexor plate. It has been considered that the palmar sesamoid is present in most anuran groups, and it has been suggested that it acts by inhibiting the closing of the palm, preventing grasping. Typical arboreal anuran groups lack a palmar sesamoid and flexor plate, a pattern shared with other tetrapod groups, which can retain a reduced sesamoid and flexor plate. We focus on the anatomical structure of the Rhinella group, which includes species that present an osseous palmar sesamoid and climb bushes or trees to avoid depredation or escape dangerous situations, and can exhibit scansorial and arboreal behaviors. We also add data on the bony sesamoids of 170 anuran species to study the anatomy and evolution of the osseous palmar sesamoid within this amphibian group. Our objective is to bring an overview of the osseous palmar sesamoid in anurans, unveiling the relationship between this element of the manus, its phylogeny, and the anuran habitat use. Methods Skeletal whole-mount specimens of Rhinella were cleared and double-dyed to describe the sesamoid anatomy and related tissues. We review and describe the palmar sesamoid of 170 anuran species from CT images downloaded from Morphosource.org, representing almost all Anuran families. We performed an standard ancestral state reconstruction by optimizing two selected characters (osseous palmar sesamoid presence, distal carpal palmar surface) along with the habitat use of the sampled taxa, using parsimony with Mesquite 3.7. Results Our primary finding is that sesamoid optimization in the anuran phylogeny revealed that its presence is associated with certain clades and not as widespread as previously anticipated. Additionally, we will also be delving into other important outcomes of our study that are relevant to those working in the field of anuran sesamoids. The osseous palmar sesamoid is present in the clade Bufonidae-Dendrobatidae-Leptodactylidae-Brachicephalidae that we named as PS clade, and also in the archeobatrachian pelobatoid Leptobranchium, all strongly terrestrial and burrowing species, though with exceptions. The osseous palmar sesamoid is always present in Bufonidae, but varies in form and size, depending on the mode that they use their manus, such as in the Rhinella margaritifera which has a cylindrical one and also grasping abilities that involve closing the manus. The scattered presence of the bony palmar sesamoid among anuran clades raises the question whether this sesamoid can be present with a different tissular composition in other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Manzano
- Cátedra de Embriología y Anatomía Animal. Facultad de Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Herpetología, CICyTTP- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Facultad de Cs. Naturales e IML, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- IBN CONICET-UNT, CONICET-UNT, Horco Molle - Yerba Buena, Tucumán, Argentina
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3
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Jenkins KM, Meyer DL, Lewis PJ, Choiniere JN, Bhullar BAS. Re-description of the early Triassic diapsid Palacrodon from the lower Fremouw formation of Antarctica. J Anat 2022; 241:1441-1458. [PMID: 36168715 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid radiation and dispersal of crown reptiles following the end-Permian mass extinction characterizes the earliest phase of the Mesozoic. Phylogenetically, this early radiation is difficult to interpret, with polytomies near the crown node, long ghost lineages, and enigmatic origins for crown group clades. Better understanding of poorly known taxa from this time can aid in our understanding of this radiation and Permo-Triassic ecology. Here, we describe an Early Triassic specimen of the diapsid Palacrodon from the Fremouw Formation of Antarctica. While Palacrodon is known throughout the Triassic and exhibits a cosmopolitan geographic range, little is known of its evolutionary relationships. We recover Palacrodon outside of crown reptiles (Sauria) but more crownward than Youngina capensis and other late Permian diapsids. Furthermore, Palacrodon possesses anatomical features that add clarity to the evolution of the stapes within the reptilian lineage, as well as incipient adaptations for arboreality and herbivory during the earliest phases of the Permo-Triassic recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Jenkins
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dalton L Meyer
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Patrick J Lewis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, USA
| | - Jonah N Choiniere
- Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bhart-Anjan S Bhullar
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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4
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Amador LI. Sesamoids and Morphological Variation: a Hypothesis on the Origin of Rod-like Skeletal Elements in Aerial Mammals. J MAMM EVOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-021-09571-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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5
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Ríos‐Orjuela JC, Camacho‐Bastidas JS, Jerez A. Appendicular morphology and locomotor performance of two morphotypes of continental anoles: Anolis heterodermus and Anolis tolimensis. J Anat 2020; 236:252-273. [PMID: 31724173 PMCID: PMC6956434 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Anolis lizards have been a model of study in ecomorphology in the Caribbean islands because species with the same type of microhabitat share similar morphological features. But despite their great diversity, little is known about continental species. We analyzed the relationship between the anatomical characteristics of the appendicular skeleton and the locomotor performance of two Anolis species found in Colombia that have different use of habitat. Anolis heterodermus, a strictly arboreal species, was compared with Anolis tolimensis, which inhabits the lower strata of vegetation. These two species differ in their body plan not only in body shape and external morphological features, but also in the skeleton and appendicular musculature. The results highlight the muscle and bone specializations associated with the use of habitat in this genus, such as the presence of more robust bones to enlarge the surface of muscle insertion, the thickening and loss of carpal parts, thickening of tendons associated with the manus, and greater development of muscle mass in the forelimbs by A. heterodermus with respect to A. tolimensis. These differences are related to the use of the microhabitat and the locomotor style of each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Ríos‐Orjuela
- Laboratorio de Ecología EvolutivaDepartamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Nacional de ColombiaBogotáColombia
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São PauloSão PauloBrazil
| | | | - Adriana Jerez
- Laboratorio de Ecología EvolutivaDepartamento de BiologíaFacultad de CienciasUniversidad Nacional de ColombiaBogotáColombia
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Hartstone-Rose A, Dickinson E, Boettcher ML, Herrel A. A primate with a Panda's thumb: The anatomy of the pseudothumb of Daubentonia madagascariensis. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:8-16. [PMID: 31633197 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Accessory digits have evolved independently within several mammalian lineages. Most notable among these is the pseudothumb of the giant panda, which has long been considered one of the most extraordinary examples of contingent evolution. To date, no primate has been documented to possess such an adaptation. Here, we investigate the presence of this structure within the aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), a species renowned for several other specialized morphological adaptations in the hand, including a morphologically unique third digit. MATERIALS AND METHODS We combine physical dissection techniques with digital imaging processes across a sample of seven individuals (six adults and one immature individual) to describe and visualize the anatomy of the wrist and hand within the aye-aye. RESULTS A distinct pseudothumb, which consists of both a bony component (an expanded radial sesamoid) and a dense cartilaginous extension (the "prepollex") was observed in all specimens. We demonstrate that this pseudodigit receives muscular attachments from three muscles, which collectively have the potential to enable abduction, adduction, and opposition. Finally, we demonstrate that the pseudothumb possesses its own distinct pad within the palm, complete with independent dermatoglyphs. DISCUSSION Pseudothumbs have been suggested to improve palmar dexterity in taxa with overly -generalized first digits (e.g., pandas) and to widen the hand for digging (e.g., some fossorial moles), but the aye-aye's pseudothumb represents what we believe is a heretofore unrecognized third functional role: its accessory digit compensates for overspecialization of its fingers for non-gripping functions (in this case, the aye-aye's unique "tap foraging" practices).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hartstone-Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Marissa L Boettcher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR7179 CNRS/MNHN, Department Adaptations du Vivant, Paris, France
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7
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De Oliveira-Lagôa S, Cruz FB, Azócar DLM, Lavilla EO, Abdala V. Anuran forelimb muscle tendinous structures and their relationship with locomotor modes and habitat use. Curr Zool 2019; 65:599-608. [PMID: 31616491 PMCID: PMC6784496 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between organisms and their environment is central in functional morphology. Differences in habitat usage may imply divergent morphology of locomotor systems; thus, detecting which morphological traits are conservative across lineages and which ones vary under environmental pressure is important in evolutionary studies. We studied internal and external morphology in 28 species of Neotropical anurans. Our aim was to determine if internal morphology (muscle and tendons) shows lower phylogenetic signal than external morphology. In addition, we wanted to know if morphology varies in relation to the habitat use and if there are different functional groups. We found differences in the degree of phylogenetic signal on the groups of traits. Interestingly, postaxial regions of the forelimb are evolutionarily more labile than the preaxial regions. Phylomorphospace plots show that arboreal (jumpers and graspers) and swimmer frogs cluster based on length of fingers and the lack of sesamoid, also reflected by the use of habitat. These functional clusters are also related to phylogeny. Sesamoid and flexor plate dimensions together with digit tendons showed to be important to discriminate functional groups as well as use of habitat classification. Our results allow us to identify a "grasping syndrome" in the hand of these frogs, where palmar sesamoid and flexor plate are absent and a third metacarpal with a bony knob are typical. Thus, a lighter skeleton, long fingers and a prensile hand may be key for arboreality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Oliveira-Lagôa
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales - Universidad Nacional de Asunción, San Lorenzo, Paraguay
| | - Félix B Cruz
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNCOMA) Quintral Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Débora L Moreno Azócar
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente INIBIOMA (CONICET-UNCOMA) Quintral Bariloche, Rio Negro, Argentina
| | - Esteban O Lavilla
- Instituto de Herpetología, UEL (Fundación Miguel Lillo - CONICET), Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (UNT-CONICET) Horco Molle s/n Yerba Buena, Tucumán. Cátedra de Biología General, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNT, Tucumán, Argentina
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8
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Zhuang MV, Russell AP, Higham TE. Evolution of pedal digit orientation and morphology in relation to acquisition and secondary loss of the adhesive system in geckos. J Morphol 2019; 280:1582-1599. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mingna V. Zhuang
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology University of California Riverside Riverside California
| | - Anthony P. Russell
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Calgary Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Timothy E. Higham
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology University of California Riverside Riverside California
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9
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Abdala V, Vera MC, Amador LI, Fontanarrosa G, Fratani J, Ponssa ML. Sesamoids in tetrapods: the origin of new skeletal morphologies. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:2011-2032. [PMID: 31359608 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Along with supernumerary bones, sesamoids, defined as any organized intratendinous/intraligamentous structure, including those composed of fibrocartilage, adjacent to an articulation or joint, have been frequently considered as enigmatic structures associated with the joints of the skeletal system of vertebrates. This review allows us to propose a dynamic model to account for part of skeletal phenotypic diversity: during evolution, sesamoids can become displaced, attaching to and detaching from the long bone epiphyses and diaphysis. Epiphyses, apophyses and detached sesamoids are able to transform into each other, contributing to the phenotypic variability of the tetrapod skeleton. This dynamic model is a new paradigm to delineate the contribution of sesamoids to skeletal diversity. Herein, we first present a historical approach to the study of sesamoids, discussing the genetic versus epigenetic theories of their genesis and growth. Second, we construct a dynamic model. Third, we present a summary of literature on sesamoids of the main groups of tetrapods, including veterinary and human clinical contributions, which are the best-studied aspects of sesamoids in recent decades. Finally, we discuss the identity of certain structures that have been labelled as sesamoids despite insufficient formal testing of homology. We also propose a new definition to help the identification of sesamoids in general. This review is particularly timely, given the recent increasing interest and research activity into the developmental biology and mechanics of sesamoids. With this updated and integrative discussion, we hope to pave the way to improve the understanding of sesamoid biology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Abdala
- Cátedra de Biología General, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e IML, UNT, Miguel Lillo 205, 4000, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical, CONICET- UNT, Horco Molle s/n Yerba Buena, 4107, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Miriam C Vera
- Instituto de Biología Subtropical (CONICET-UNaM), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Químicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Misiones, Félix de Azara 1552, CPA N3300LQF, Posadas, Argentina
| | - Lucila I Amador
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, FML-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Fontanarrosa
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical, CONICET- UNT, Horco Molle s/n Yerba Buena, 4107, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Jessica Fratani
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, FML-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María L Ponssa
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, FML-CONICET, Miguel Lillo 251, 4000, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
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10
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Manzano AS, Fontanarrosa G, Abdala V. Manual and pedal grasping among anurans: a review of relevant concepts with empirical approaches. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Virginia Abdala
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, UNT. Instituto de Biología Neotropical- UNT-CONICET, Horco Molle, Tucumán, Argentina
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11
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Amador LI, Giannini NP, Simmons NB, Abdala V. Morphology and Evolution of Sesamoid Elements in Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera). AMERICAN MUSEUM NOVITATES 2018. [DOI: 10.1206/3905.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lucila Inés Amador
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo: Fundación Miguel Lillo – CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Norberto Pedro Giannini
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo: Fundación Miguel Lillo – CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
- Division of Vertebrate Zoology (Mammalogy), American Museum of Natural History
| | - Nancy B. Simmons
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical: Universidad Nacional de Tucumán – CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
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12
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van der Vos W, Stein K, Di-Poï N, Bickelmann C. Ontogeny of Hemidactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) with emphasis on the limbs. ZOOSYST EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/zse.94.22289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamate reptiles constitute a major component of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate diversity, encompassing many morphotypes related to ecological specialization. Specifically, Gekkota, the sister clade to most other squamates, have highly specialized autopodia, which have been linked to their ecological plasticity. In this study, a developmental staging table of the geckoHemidactylus, housed at the Museum für Naturkunde, is established. Twelve post-ovipositional stages are erected, monitoring morphological embryological transitions in eye, ear, nose, heart, limbs, pharyngeal arches, and skin structures. Ecomorphological specializations in the limbs include multiple paraphalanges, hypothesized to aid in supporting the strong muscles, that are situated adjacent to metacarpal and phalangeal heads. Furthermore, some phalanges are highly reduced in manual digits III and IV and pedal digits III, IV, and V. Development, composition, and growth of limb elements is characterized in detail via µCT, histochemistry, and bone histological analysis. Using known life history data from two individuals, we found an average lamellar bone accretion rate in the humeral diaphysis comparable to that of varanids. Various adult individuals also showed moderate to extensive remodeling features in their long bone cortices, indicating that these animals experience a highly dynamic bone homeostasis during their growth, similar to some other medium-sized to large squamates. This study of in-ovo development of the geckoHemidactylus and its ecomorphological specializations in the adult autopodia, enlarges our knowledge of morphological trait evolution and of limb diversity within the vertebrate phylum.
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13
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van der Vos W, Stein K, Di-Poï N, Bickelmann C. Ontogeny of Hemidactylus (Gekkota, Squamata) with emphasis on the limbs. ZOOSYST EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.3897/zse.41.22289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamate reptiles constitute a major component of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate diversity, encompassing many morphotypes related to ecological specialization. Specifically, Gekkota, the sister clade to most other squamates, have highly specialized autopodia, which have been linked to their ecological plasticity. In this study, a developmental staging table of the gecko Hemidactylus, housed at the Museum für Naturkunde, is established. Twelve post-ovipositional stages are erected, monitoring morphological embryological transitions in eye, ear, nose, heart, limbs, pharyngeal arches, and skin structures. Ecomorphological specializations in the limbs include multiple paraphalanges, hypothesized to aid in supporting the strong muscles, that are situated adjacent to metacarpal and phalangeal heads. Furthermore, some phalanges are highly reduced in manual digits III and IV and pedal digits III, IV, and V. Development, composition, and growth of limb elements is characterized in detail via µCT, histochemistry, and bone histological analysis. Using known life history data from two individuals, we found an average lamellar bone accretion rate in the humeral diaphysis comparable to that of varanids. Various adult individuals also showed moderate to extensive remodeling features in their long bone cortices, indicating that these animals experience a highly dynamic bone homeostasis during their growth, similar to some other medium-sized to large squamates. This study of in-ovo development of the gecko Hemidactylus and its ecomorphological specializations in the adult autopodia, enlarges our knowledge of morphological trait evolution and of limb diversity within the vertebrate phylum.
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14
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Lowie A, Herrel A, Abdala V, Manzano AS, Fabre AC. Does the Morphology of the Forelimb Flexor Muscles Differ Between Lizards Using Different Habitats? Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:424-433. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélien Lowie
- UMR 7179, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Mécadev, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 55; Paris cedex 5, 75231 France
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Mécadev, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 55; Paris cedex 5, 75231 France
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; UNT-Horco Molle, Instituto de Biología Neotropical-CONICET; Tucuman Argentina
| | | | - Anne-Claire Fabre
- UMR 7179, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Mécadev, 57 rue Cuvier, CP 55; Paris cedex 5, 75231 France
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15
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Soliz M, Tulli MJ, Abdala V. Osteological postcranial traits in hylid anurans indicate a morphological continuum between swimming and jumping locomotor modes. J Morphol 2017; 278:403-417. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Soliz
- CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa); Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Cátedra Vertebrados; Salta Argentina
| | - Maria J. Tulli
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo (UEL)-CONICET-Instituto de Herpetología; Fundación Miguel Lillo; Tucumán Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)-CONICET; Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Cátedra Biología General; Tucumán Argentina
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16
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Rothier PS, Brandt R, Kohlsdorf T. Ecological associations of autopodial osteology in Neotropical geckos. J Morphol 2017; 278:290-299. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priscila S. Rothier
- Department of Biology; FFCLRP/USP, Universidade de São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-901 Brazil
| | - Renata Brandt
- Department of Biology; FFCLRP/USP, Universidade de São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-901 Brazil
| | - Tiana Kohlsdorf
- Department of Biology; FFCLRP/USP, Universidade de São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto SP 14040-901 Brazil
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Regnault S, Hutchinson JR, Jones MEH. Sesamoid bones in tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) investigated with X-ray microtomography, and implications for sesamoid evolution in Lepidosauria. J Morphol 2016; 278:62-72. [PMID: 27882577 PMCID: PMC6680162 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Sesamoids bones are small intra-tendinous (or ligamentous) ossifications found near joints and are often variable between individuals. Related bones, lunulae, are found within the menisci of certain joints. Several studies have described sesamoids and lunulae in lizards and their close relatives (Squamata) as potentially useful characters in phylogenetic analysis, but their status in the extant outgroup to Squamata, tuatara (Sphenodon), remains unclear. Sphenodon is the only living rhynchocephalian, but museum specimens are valuable and difficult to replace. Here, we use non-destructive X-ray microtomography to investigate the distribution of sesamoids and lunulae in 19 Sphenodon specimens and trace the evolution of these bones in Lepidosauria (Rhynchocephalia + Squamata). We find adult Sphenodon to possess a sesamoid and lunula complement different from any known squamate, but also some variation within Sphenodon specimens. The penultimate phalangeal sesamoids and tibial lunula appear to mineralize prior to skeletal maturity, followed by mineralization of a sesamoid between metatarsal I and the astragalocalcaneum (MTI-AC), the palmar sesamoids, and tibiofemoral lunulae around attainment of skeletal maturity. The tibial patella, ulnar, and plantar sesamoids mineralize late in maturity or variably. Ancestral state reconstruction indicates that the ulnar patella and tibiofemoral lunulae are synapomophies of Squamata, and the palmar sesamoid, tibial patella, tibial lunula, and MTI-AC may be synapomorphies of Lepidosauria. J. Morphol. 278:62-72, 2017. ©© 2016 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Regnault
- Structure & Motion Lab, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - John R Hutchinson
- Structure & Motion Lab, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marc E H Jones
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Australia.,Department of Herpetology, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5001, Australia
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