scholarly journals Skull morphometric characters in parrots (Psittaciformes)

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-120
Author(s):  
Tibor Pecsics ◽  
Miklós Laczi ◽  
Gergely Nagy ◽  
Tamás Kondor ◽  
Tibor Csörgő
Keyword(s):  
Ventral View ◽  
Relative Size ◽  
Relative Length ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Relative Width ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Lacrimal Bone ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Avian Group

AbstractParrots (Psittaciformes) are a unique and diverse avian group and vary tremendously in size, shape, and colour. Mainly distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics, most species of parrots are largely or exclusively arboreal with several exceptions. The species also differ in diet and habitat, which led to different musculoskeletal adaptations of the skull. However, parrots have conspicuous generalized external features; in this recent study, we tried to increase our knowledge of the cranial shape and foraging habits. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We used principal component (PC) analyses on measurements that may be related to diet. The PCs described the relative height of the cranium, the relative length and curvature of the beak, differences in the orientation and curvature of the lacrimal bone and the upper margin of orbits, variation in the size and position of the palatine bone and the relative width of the cranium, and variation in the relative size of the neurocranium compared to the viscerocranium. The dietary categories overlap in the morphospace but the analysis in lateral and ventral view resulted in significant differences.

scholarly journals Analysis of skull morphometric characters in diurnal raptors (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes)

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tibor Pecsics ◽  
Miklós Laczi ◽  
Gergely Nagy ◽  
Tamás Kondor ◽  
Tibor Csörgő
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Prey Preference ◽  
Skull Morphology ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Lacrimal Bone ◽  
Physical Attributes ◽  
Predatory Birds ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Diurnal birds of prey (Accipitriformes and Falconiformes) has traditionally been known as comprising a single order. Recently, this classification has been used in the non-taxonomic sense as referring to a convergent group of birds that are largely classified as predatory birds. Although these birds are similar in their morphology, the species differ in their foraging methods and prey preference. The cranial shape and the physical attributes determine the efficiency of the resource use. The aim of this study is to increase our knowledge of the relationship between skull shape, prey preference, and foraging habits. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We used principal component (PC) analyses on measurements that may be related to prey preference and foraging habits. The PCs are resulted described the relative height of the skull and beak, the variation in the relative size, the orientation and robustness of the lacrimal bone, the variation in the relative size of the neurocranium compared to the viscerocranium, and the orientation of the palatine bone. The dietary categories significantly overlap. The skull morphology reflects more on foraging habits than diet or prey preference.

scholarly journals Analysis of skull morphometric characters in Owls (Strigiformes)

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tibor Pecsics ◽  
Miklós Laczi ◽  
Gergely Nagy ◽  
Tamás Kondor ◽  
Tibor Csörgő
Keyword(s):  
Principal Component ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Skull Shape ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Morphological Adaptations ◽  
Remote Islands ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Hearing Abilities

Abstract Owls (Strigiformes) are small to large birds, mostly solitary and nocturnal predators. They can be found all around the Earth except Antarctica and some remote islands. The species differ in size, diet and habitat, which led to different morphological adaptations of the skull. The main differences are in the orbital and the otical region, which are connected to the visual and hearing capabilities. The aim of the recent study is to increase our knowledge of the relationship between skull shape and foraging habits and tried to find those characters that are related to diet. A geometric morphometric approach was used to analyse two-dimensional cranial landmarks. We used principal component (PC) analyses on measurements that may be related to visual and hearing abilities. The PCs are resulted in the robusticity of the skull and the asymmetry of the otical region. There are differences in position and shape of postorbital processes (POP) and tympanic wings (TW). Species with symmetrical skull shape are basically crepuscular or diurnal predators and species with more asymmetrical skulls are mostly nocturnal hunters and have better hearing capabilities.

Morphometric discrimination of pelagic fish stocks challenged by variation in body condition

2017 ◽  
Vol 75 (2) ◽  
pp. 711-718
Author(s):  
George Geladakis ◽  
Nikolaos Nikolioudakis ◽  
George Koumoundouros ◽  
Stylianos Somarakis
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Morphological Differentiation ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Mesozooplankton Biomass ◽  
Stock Discrimination ◽  
Principal Coordinates

Abstract Morphometric characters have traditionally been used to describe the population structure of fishes. Body shape variation, which is often environmentally induced, may provide a good record of short-term population structuring. However, factors unrelated to environmental or genetic influences on body morphology may complicate sampling and the use of morphometric features for stock discrimination. In the present study, we used geometric morphometric variables to compare the European sardine Sardina pilchardus putative stocks of the Aegean and Ionian Seas (eastern Mediterranean). Landmark data of fish collected at seven different sites were subjected to canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP). The average body condition of sardines from these sites was strongly and linearly related to corresponding scores along CAP1, the axis exhibiting the highest correlation with the morphometric data cloud. The average scores along CAP2 and CAP3 appeared to be linked to morphological differentiation related to temperature effects and prey availability (mesozooplankton biomass). Despite the primary and confounding effect of body condition, discrimination of different morphotypes corresponding to the Aegean and the Ionian Sea stocks was highly significant with 81% correct reallocations for the respective CAP model.

scholarly journals On the appendicular skeleton of the primates

1867 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 320-321
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Relative Length ◽  
Appendicular Skeleton ◽  
Pelvic Limb ◽  
The Absolute

The author began by mentioning the principal variations found in the order Primates, as to the absolute and relative length of the pectoral limb with and without the manus; and then taking each bone separately, described the modifications undergone by each in all the genera of the order; as also the relative size of the segments and bones of the limb compared to each other and to the spine. The pelvic limb was then similarly treated of, and, in addition, its segments and bones were compared with the homo-typal segments and bones of the pectoral limb. The author after this reconsidered the question as to the use of the terms “hand” and “foot,” and the applicability of the term “Quadru-manous” to Apes and Lemuroids.

Nest temperature´s influence on morphology of Dermochelys coriacea hatchlings incubated in hatcheries in Oaxaca, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús García-Grajales ◽  
Juan Francisco Meraz ◽  
José Luis Arcos García ◽  
Eustacio Ramírez Méndez
Keyword(s):  
Incubation Temperature ◽  
Carapace Width ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Dermochelys Coriacea ◽  
Egg Mass ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Data Logger ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Incubation Temperatures

The influence of nest incubation temperatures on the carapace shape and morphological traits of Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli 1761) hatchlings incubated in two hatcheries of Oaxaca, Mexico was evaluated. This study was carried out from October 2016 through May 2017. On each beach, there are community groups consisting of volunteers without association with universities, that protect and relocate the nests to increase hatching success. In each translocated nest, a data logger was placed in the centre of the egg mass. Hatchlings were collected as they emerged from each nest. The carapaces of the hatchlings were photographed and subjected to geometric morphometric analysis; later, hatchlings were weighed and their bodies were measured. The mean temperature of 12 nests in each hatchery were recorded, with no significant differences between hatcheries. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed an overlapping of the carapace shape under different duration of temperature. Temperature had a significant influence on hatchling morphology. Higher mean incubation temperatures produced hatchlings with low weight, smaller appendage; narrower carapace width and shorter flippers length. Lower mean incubation temperatures produced hatchlings that had greater weight, greater appendage width, wider carapace width and longer flipper length. Results indicate that the D. coriacea hatchlings incubated in hatcheries demonstrate morphology that varies in relation to nest incubation temperature in a similar way to hatchlings produced in natural environments.

scholarly journals Differences in acid phosphomonoesterase activity in forest soils of the Smrk Massive in the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. (Czech Republic)

Beskydy ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-152
Author(s):  
A. Bajer ◽  
P. Samec ◽  
M. Žárník
Keyword(s):  
Relative Size ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Soil Characteristics ◽  
Strong Correlations ◽  
Spruce Stands ◽  
The Individual ◽  
A Site

The purpose of this paper is to determine the individual relations between APEA and specific soils and environmental factors. To disclose these relations, analysis of component vectors and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed. Vectors of soil characteristics with participation of APEA (aAKFE) and vectors of pedochemical variables (aCHEM) were also calculated. Their ratio (ia) indicated the relative size of the APEA impact on the relations between pedochemical characteristics. Based on the statistical analyses, different role of APEA in Norway spruce and in European beech stands was detected. While APEA in spruce stands did not show significant correlations with the other examined soil chemical properties, soils under beech stands displayed strong correlations with some of the pedochemical variables. The idea of this research is to find out whether APEA could be used as an indicator of forest vegetation status and of the anthropogenic load on a site.

scholarly journals Polikromatik, dimorfisme seksual, dan redeskripsi spesies ikan red devil, Amphilophus amarillo [Stauffer & McKaye, 2002] di Waduk Sermo Yogyakarta

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Sitty Ainsyah Habibie ◽  
Djumanto Djumanto ◽  
Murwantoko Murwantoko
Keyword(s):  
Control Region ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Gill Tissue ◽  
Morphometric Character ◽  
Fish Sample ◽  
Trophic Polymorphism ◽  
Sex Dimorphism ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Fish Group

Red devil has been extensively researched due to extremely high morphometric and chromatophore variations, including the phenomena of polychromatic and trophic polymorphism. The purpose of this study was to identify and observe the phenomenon of sex dimorphism that occurs in polychromatic red devil species which caught in Sermo Reservoir. Fish sample as much as 240 individual was collected from fishermen catch during November 2016-September 2017 by using gill nets, cest nets, and fishing rods. Subsequently, the fish sample was grouped based on color and sex, the namely group of red devil red, red devil black, and red devil reddish black. The morphometric character data of 21 units were measured in each fish sample, whereas the DNA samples were taken from the gill tissue on each species of two individuals. The morphometric character data was analyzed for discriminant distance, while DNA was analyzed by BLAST (Basic Local Allignment Search Tools) from NCBI. The result of the principal component analysis and discriminant function showed the three group of fish can be distinguished by the characters around the head. The T-test of male and female morphometric characters in each fish group showed the phenomenon of sex dimorphism. Canonical and dendrogram diagrams consistently classify the three group of fish as the same species but are segregated by sex so that significantly dimorphism occurs. The mitochondrial sequencing results of the DNA control region show that among the red devil fish group found in the Sermo Reservoir is a species of A. amarillo.AbstrakRed devil telah banyak diteliti karena variasi morfometrik dan kromatofora yang sangat tinggi, termasuk di dalamnya fenomena polikromatisme dan trofik polimorfisme. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengamati polikromatik dan dimor-fisme seksual serta mengidentifikasi spesies red devil di perairan Waduk Sermo Yogyakarta. Contoh ikan sebanyak 240 ekor diambil dari hasil tangkapan nelayan selama bulan November 2016-September 2017 dengan menggunakan jaring insang, jala dan pancing. Selanjutnya contoh ikan dikelompokkan berdasarkan warna dan jenis kelamin, yaitu kelompok red devil merah, red devil hitam, dan red devil merah kehitaman. Data karakter morfometrik sebanyak 21 unit diukur pada setiap contoh ikan, sedangkan contoh DNA diambil dari jaringan insang pada masing-masing kelompok ikan seba-nyak dua ekor. Data karakter morfometrik dianalisis pembedanya, sedangkan DNA dianalisis dengan BLAST (Basic Local Allignment Search Tools) dari NCBI. Hasil analisis komponen utama dan fungsi diskriminan menunjukkan ketiga kelompok ikan dapat dibedakan berdasarkan karakter yang berada di sekitar kepala. Uji t terhadap karakter morfome-trik jantan dan betina pada masing-masing kelompok ikan menunjukkan fenomena dimorfisme seksual. Diagram kanonikal dan dendrogram konsisten mengelompokkan ketiga kelompok ikan tersebut sebagai spesies yang sama, namun terpisah berdasarkan jenis kelamin sehingga sangat nyata terjadi dimorfisme. Hasil sekuensing mitokondria DNA control region menunjukkan seluruh kelompok ikan red devil yang ditemukan di Waduk Sermo merupakan spesies Amphilophus amarillo.

scholarly journals Individual variation of the masticatory system dominates 3D skull shape in the herbivory-adapted marsupial wombats

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vera Weisbecker ◽  
Thomas Guillerme ◽  
Cruise Speck ◽  
Emma Sherratt ◽  
Hyab Mehari Abraha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Individual Variation ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Mandibular Ramus ◽  
Geometric Morphometric ◽  
Skull Shape ◽  
Marsupial Species ◽  
Masticatory System ◽  
The Individual

AbstractBackgroundWithin-species skull shape variation of marsupial mammals is widely considered low and strongly size-dependent (allometric), possibly due to developmental constraints arising from the altricial birth of marsupials. However, species whose skulls are impacted by strong muscular stresses – particularly those produced through mastication of tough food items – may not display such intrinsic patterns very clearly because of the known plastic response of bone to muscle activity of the individual. In such cases, shape variation should not be dominated by allometry; ordination of shape in a geometric morphometric context through principal component analysis (PCA) should reveal main variation in areas under masticatory stress (incisor region/zygomatic arches/mandibular ramus); but this main variation should emerge from high individual variability and thus have low eigenvalues.ResultsWe assessed the evidence for high individual variation through 3D geometric morphometric shape analysis of crania and mandibles of thre species of grazing-specialized wombats, whose diet of tough grasses puts considerable strain on their masticatory system. As expected, we found little allometry and low Principal Component 1 (PC1) eigenvalues within crania and mandibles of all three species. Also as expected, the main variation was in the muzzle, zygomatic arches, and masticatory muscle attachments of the mandibular ramus. We then implemented a new test to ask if the landmark variation reflected on PC1 was reflected in individuals with opposite PC1 scores and with opposite shapes in Procrustes space. This showed that correspondence between individual and ordinated shape variation was limited, indicating high levels of individual variability in the masticatory apparatus.DiscussionOur results are inconsistent with hypotheses that skull shape variation within marsupial species reflects a constraint pattern. Rather, they support suggestions that individual plasticity can be an important determinant of within-species shape variation in marsupials (and possibly other mammals) with high masticatory stresses, making it difficult to understand the degree to which intrinsic constraint act on shape variation at the within-species level. We conclude that studies that link micro- and macroevolutionary patterns of shape variation might benefit from a focus on species with low-impact mastication, such as carnivorous or frugivorous species.

GROUPING LOCATIONS FOR EFFICIENT CASSAVA EVALUATION IN MALAWI

2003 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 167-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. MKUMBIRA ◽  
N. M. MAHUNGU ◽  
U. GULLBERG
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Heterogeneity ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Scatter Plot ◽  
Genotype Environment Interaction ◽  
Breeding Zone ◽  
Adverse Environmental Conditions ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Pair Wise Comparison ◽  
Better Than

Cassava, a crop widely adapted in the tropics, has the important attribute of withstanding adverse environmental conditions better than do many other staple crops. The performance of an individual genotype, however, is influenced by the environment in which it grows. In Malawi, the heterogeneity of agro-ecologies requires the cumbersome and costly assessment of new cassava genotypes at many sites. This study was conducted, therefore, to test the feasibility of selecting only a few locations for cassava evaluation that would be representative of all the agro-ecologies in which cassava is grown in Malawi. Enormous environmental effects, largely contributed by the interaction between season and location, were manifested. Genotype×environment interaction, due largely to a third level interaction (genotype×season×location), was highly significant for all the traits studied. A principal component analysis scatter plot showed no particular grouping of environments, but a pair-wise comparison showed that some of the locations had limited genotype×environment interaction, indicating that it would be sufficient to use one of these sites for evaluating these traits. The value of the residual was often large, probably as an effect of environmental heterogeneity in the test sites. The authors conclude that cassava genetic improvement will continue to be slow if Malawi is used as a single breeding zone. They recommend a much finer grouping of the locations and the use of smaller plot sizes to allow more clones to be tested at more sites for the same cost. Locations may be selected for intensive cassava breeding work from those that give the best discrimination between genotypes while having insignificant genotype×environment interactions in a relatively large number of environments.

Taxonomy, natural history, and conservation of the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851) (Thraupidae, Sporophilinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4442 (4) ◽  
pp. 551 ◽  
Author(s):  
FLÁVIO KULAIF UBAID ◽  
LUÍS FABIO SILVEIRA ◽  
CESAR A. B. MEDOLAGO ◽  
THIAGO V. V. COSTA ◽  
MERCIVAL ROBERTO FRANCISCO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
South America ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Taxonomic Status ◽  
Morphological Characters ◽  
Morphometric Characters ◽  
History Of

Seed-finches are small-sized Neotropical granivorous birds characterized by extremely strong and thick beaks. Among these birds, the Great-billed Seed-Finch Sporophila maximiliani has been selectively and intensively trapped to the extent that has become one of the most endangered bird species in South America, yet its taxonomy remains complex and controversial. Two subspecies have been recognized: S. m. maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851), mainly from the Cerrado of central South America, and S. m. parkesi Olson (= Oryzoborus m. magnirostris), from northeastern South America. Originally, S. m. parkesi was diagnosed as being larger than the Large-billed Seed-Finch, S. c. crassirostris (Gmelin, 1789), but proper comparisons with S. m. maximiliani, which is larger than S. c. crassirostris, were never performed. Here we provide a review of the taxonomic and nomenclatural history of S. maximiliani, reevaluate the validity and taxonomic status of the subspecies based on morphological characters, and significantly revise its geographic distribution. Analyses based on plumage patterns and a Principal Component Analysis of morphometric characters indicated that S. m. parkesi is most appropriately treated as a synonym of the nominate taxon, which results in a monotypic S. maximiliani comprising two disjunct populations. Further, we conducted systematic searches for S. maximiliani in Brazil, in an attempt to obtain natural history information. After more than 6,000 hours of fieldwork in 45 areas of potential and historical occurrence, S. maximiliani was located only in two sites, in marshy environments called veredas, confirming the critical conservation status of this species, at least in Brazil. We discuss the conservation potential for, and the problems involved with, captive breeding of S. maximiliani for reintroduction into the wild. 

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