scholarly journals The evolution of the fifth cervical vertebrae in Pelomedusoides (Testudines, Pleurodira): a preliminary analysis

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago F Mariani ◽  
Pedro S R Romano
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Neural Spine ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Living Species ◽  
Paraphyletic Group ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Relative Warps

Background. Crown-Pleurodira (i.e.: Cheloides and Pelomedusoides) possess a side-necked retraction mode with specialized cervical vertebrae (CV) anatomy. Moreover, there are distinctive ecological features among its lineages, as the convergent long neck in species of Chelidae and in the extinct pelomedusoid Araripemydidae. Also, the CV5-CV6 articulation is the major point of flexure in neck retraction and reflects a key point for the evolution of Pleurodira. Here we evaluated CV5 shape variation within some Pleurodira groups with emphasis on some Brazilian fossil species. Methods. We analyzed the fifth CV of eight species and 14 specimens comprising four pleurodiran clades (Chelidae, Araripemydidae, Bothremydidae and Podocnemididae) in order to assess the shape variation via geometric morphometry. All specimens were photographed in caudal view under the same protocol, and eight landmarks (LM) were picked at the left side of each vertebrae using TPSDig2. Data were Procrustes superimposed and a Relative Warps Analysis (RWA) was performed using TPSRelw v1.49. Results. RW1 and RW2 summarized 68.63% of the shape variance. The scatter of the specimens revealed distinctiveness between Podocnemidoidea (Podocnemididae+Bothremydidae) and Araripemys+Chelidae paraphyletic group. Such variation is due to (1) a medial contraction of the surface of the postzygapophysis, (2) a taller neural spine and (3) a more rounded vertebral condile towards Podocnemidoidea. Podocnemididae showed greater variation: a Podocnemis sextuberculata specimen (MZSP3218) is more alike to Cearachelys placidoi (Procrustes Distances, PD=0.17) than other podocnemidids and Bauruemys elegans resembles P. unifilis (PD=0.11). Also, other P. sextuberculata specimen (MZSP3217) is more alike to the Araripemys-Chelidae group. Discussion. Previous works have noticed the anatomical similarities between both longnecked chelids and A. barretoi, considering it as a convergence since they are from different clades. Our data showed the same pattern and, assuming the current phylogenetic relationships of Pleurodira, this might indicates similar feeding behavior between living Hydromedusa and Chelus and Araripemys. The Podocnemidoidea morphospace variation is consistent with the phylogeny, since C. placidoi is nested among Podocnemis spp., and this might indicate a more specialized CV5 for the former and a possible convergence with some Podocnemis species. Also, the resemblance of P. unifilis CV5 with B. elegans seems to indicate a morphotype similar to the podocnemidid ancestor for this living species. Despite our scanty sample, it shows a notable variation in Podocnemis spp. and at least two convergences among CV5 within Pleurodira. Further studies with additional sampling might shed light on a more complex evolution of CV specializations in side-necked turtles than previously assumed.

scholarly journals The evolution of the fifth cervical vertebrae in Pelomedusoides (Testudines, Pleurodira): a preliminary analysis

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago F Mariani ◽  
Pedro S R Romano
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Neural Spine ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
Living Species ◽  
Paraphyletic Group ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Relative Warps

Background. Crown-Pleurodira (i.e.: Cheloides and Pelomedusoides) possess a side-necked retraction mode with specialized cervical vertebrae (CV) anatomy. Moreover, there are distinctive ecological features among its lineages, as the convergent long neck in species of Chelidae and in the extinct pelomedusoid Araripemydidae. Also, the CV5-CV6 articulation is the major point of flexure in neck retraction and reflects a key point for the evolution of Pleurodira. Here we evaluated CV5 shape variation within some Pleurodira groups with emphasis on some Brazilian fossil species. Methods. We analyzed the fifth CV of eight species and 14 specimens comprising four pleurodiran clades (Chelidae, Araripemydidae, Bothremydidae and Podocnemididae) in order to assess the shape variation via geometric morphometry. All specimens were photographed in caudal view under the same protocol, and eight landmarks (LM) were picked at the left side of each vertebrae using TPSDig2. Data were Procrustes superimposed and a Relative Warps Analysis (RWA) was performed using TPSRelw v1.49. Results. RW1 and RW2 summarized 68.63% of the shape variance. The scatter of the specimens revealed distinctiveness between Podocnemidoidea (Podocnemididae+Bothremydidae) and Araripemys+Chelidae paraphyletic group. Such variation is due to (1) a medial contraction of the surface of the postzygapophysis, (2) a taller neural spine and (3) a more rounded vertebral condile towards Podocnemidoidea. Podocnemididae showed greater variation: a Podocnemis sextuberculata specimen (MZSP3218) is more alike to Cearachelys placidoi (Procrustes Distances, PD=0.17) than other podocnemidids and Bauruemys elegans resembles P. unifilis (PD=0.11). Also, other P. sextuberculata specimen (MZSP3217) is more alike to the Araripemys-Chelidae group. Discussion. Previous works have noticed the anatomical similarities between both longnecked chelids and A. barretoi, considering it as a convergence since they are from different clades. Our data showed the same pattern and, assuming the current phylogenetic relationships of Pleurodira, this might indicates similar feeding behavior between living Hydromedusa and Chelus and Araripemys. The Podocnemidoidea morphospace variation is consistent with the phylogeny, since C. placidoi is nested among Podocnemis spp., and this might indicate a more specialized CV5 for the former and a possible convergence with some Podocnemis species. Also, the resemblance of P. unifilis CV5 with B. elegans seems to indicate a morphotype similar to the podocnemidid ancestor for this living species. Despite our scanty sample, it shows a notable variation in Podocnemis spp. and at least two convergences among CV5 within Pleurodira. Further studies with additional sampling might shed light on a more complex evolution of CV specializations in side-necked turtles than previously assumed.

scholarly journals Intraspecific male combat behaviour predicts morphology of cervical vertebrae in ruminant mammals

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1915) ◽  
pp. 20192199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby Vander Linden ◽  
Elizabeth R. Dumont
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Neural Spine ◽  
Least Squares Regression ◽  
Skull Morphology ◽  
Vertebral Centra ◽  
Evolutionary Forces ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Supportive Role

Cranial weapons of all shapes and sizes are common throughout the animal kingdom and are frequently accompanied by the evolution of additional traits that enhance the use of those weapons. Bovids (cattle, sheep, goats, antelope) and cervids (deer) within the mammal clade Ruminantia are particularly well known for their distinct and varied cranial appendages in the form of horns and antlers, which are used as weapons in intraspecific combat between males for access to mates. Combat in these species takes many forms, including head-on collisions (ramming); stabbing an opponent's head or body with horn tips (stabbing); rearing and clashing downwards with horns (fencing); or interlocking antlers or horns while vigorously pushing and twisting (wrestling). Some aspects of weapon and skull morphology have been linked to combat behaviours in bovid and cervid species, but the contribution of postcranial structures that support these weapons, such as the neck, has not been explored. To investigate the role of the neck in intraspecific combat, we quantified biomechanically relevant linear variables of the cervical vertebrae (C1–C7) from males and females of 55 ruminant species. We then used phylogenetic generalized least-squares regression to assess differences among species that display primarily ramming, stabbing, fencing and wrestling combat styles. In males, we found that wrestlers have longer vertebral centra and longer neural spines than rammers, stabbers or fencers, while rammers have shorter and wider centra and taller neural spine lever arms. These results suggest a supportive role for the cervical vertebrae in resisting forces generated by male–male combat in ruminant mammals and indicate that evolutionary forces influencing cranial weapons also play a role in shaping the supporting anatomical structures.

An early heron (Aves, Ardeidae, Ardea) from the Middle Miocene of Nebraska

1986 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 968-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan J. Becker
Keyword(s):  
Brown Coal ◽  
Middle Miocene ◽  
Mining District ◽  
Large Species ◽  
Local Fauna ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Specific Identification ◽  
Upper Miocene ◽  
Living Species

The genus Ardea includes all living species of large herons. Brodkorb (1963) listed five fossil species of Ardea, and only one fossil species has since been described. Of these six, only two are unquestionably members of the genus Ardea. Ardea brunhuberi von Ammon, 1918, from the Upper Miocene Brown Coal Formation, Württemburg, Germany, was moved by Brodkorb (1980) to the Phalacrocoracidae as Phalacrocorax brunhuberi. Brodkorb (1980) considered A. lignitum Giebel, 1860, from the Sarmatian Brown Coal of Rippersroda, Thuringia, Germany, to be a large owl in the genus Bubo. Olson (1985) similarly regards A. perplexa from the Astaracian of Sansan, France, to be a large owl, possibly in the genus Bubo. The type of Ardea aureliensis Milne-Edwards, 1871, from the Oreleanian of Suevres, France, has never been illustrated or restudied and its affinities need to be confirmed (Olson, 1985). The valid fossil species are Ardea polkensis Brodkorb, 1955, from the late Hemphillian Bone Valley Mining District, Florida, and A. howardae Brodkorb, 1980, from the Plio/Pleistocene Shungura Formation, Omo Basin, Ethiopia. A large species of Ardea is also known from the late Clarendonian Love Bone Bed local fauna, Florida, but is based on material too fragmentary for specific identification (Becker, 1985). This note reports the earliest certain occurrence of Ardea now known.

Worcestobiidae – a new Triassic family of Mecoptera, based on species removed from the family Orthophlebiidae

2016 ◽  
Vol 107 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 145-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Soszyńska-Maj ◽  
Wiesław Krzemiński ◽  
Katarzyna Kopeć ◽  
Robert A. Coram
Keyword(s):  
New Taxa ◽  
New Genus ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
New Family ◽  
The Family ◽  
Paraphyletic Group

ABSTRACTA new family, Worcestobiidae fam. nov., is established for two Triassic fossil species of Mecoptera removed from the family Orthophlebiidae: Orthophlebia gigantea Tillyard, 1933 and O. haradai Ueda, 1991. A new genus, Worcestobia gen. nov., is erected and both species are transferred to this genus. The new taxa were established as a result of ongoing taxonomic work on Orthophlebiidae, one of the most problematic families within fossil Mecoptera, considered to be a paraphyletic group of species.

Early Oligocene to Pliocene Colubridae of Europe: a review

2012 ◽  
Vol 183 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-681 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zbigniew Szyndlar
Keyword(s):  
Early Miocene ◽  
Dominant Group ◽  
European Continent ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Early Pliocene ◽  
Early Oligocene ◽  
Living Species ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Europe Today ◽  
Almost All

Abstract The paper reviews the entire fossil record of the Colubridae coming from the European Early Oligocene (MP21) to late Early Pliocene (MN15) localities. Prior to the end of the Early Miocene, European colubrids were rare and dominated by booid snakes. At the end of the Early Miocene (MN4), the archaic ophidian fauna of Europe was literally flooded by eastern immigrants, principally representatives of the colubroid families Colubridae, Elapidae, and Viperidae. Since then, the Colubridae became a dominant group in snake assemblages, both in Europe and elsewhere. The rich colubrid fauna inhabiting the European continent in the Middle Miocene (MN5 to 7+8) was composed exclusively of extinct species, representing mainly fossil genera, although members of living genera were also quite common. At the beginning of the Late Miocene (MN9), almost all fossil genera became extinct, but living genera were represented exclusively by fossil species. In the late Early Pliocene (MN15), almost all European colubrids were living species. The Late Pliocene (MN16) and Pleistocene colubrid snakes did not differ from those inhabiting Europe today.

scholarly journals Species of sucking pests of ornamental crops in the conditions of the Southern Coast of the Crimea

2021 ◽  
pp. 135-142
Author(s):  
N. N. Trikoz ◽  
R. O. Andreev ◽  
S. I. Shevtsov
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Pest Species ◽  
Forage Plants ◽  
The Third ◽  
Ecological Features ◽  
The Crimea ◽  
Living Species ◽  
Ornamental Crops ◽  
Trophic Connections

The results of the analysis of the species composition of sucking pests species during the period from 2009 to 2019 are presented. Based on long-term phytosanitary monitoring, 37 species belonging to 12 families were identified, of which the most numerous are the families Diaspididae and Aphididae of the order Hemiptera. According to the nature of trophic connections, 59.9% are monophages, 32.4% are polyphages and 8.1% are oligophages. According to the nature of the damage caused, sucking species differ from each other. Some species lead to a change in the color of leaves and flowers (thrips, mites, coccids), others cause deformation of the leaf blade and inflorescences (coccids, worms, false coccids, herbivorous mites) and the third group includes species that form galls on the leaves (laurel psyllid, pistachio marginal gall aphid). According to ecological features, sucking pest species are divided into three main groups: open-living species, which include aphids, cicadae, psyllas, white flies, the second group includes species that have covers of various nature on the body, such as coccids, worms and false coccids, and the third group consists of gall makers. The dominant species, the degree of harmfulness, the frequency of occurrence and the range of forage plants were determined.

scholarly journals A comparative shape analysis of the cervical spine between individuals with cervicogenic headaches and asymptomatic controls

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Youssef Masharawi ◽  
Aumayma Murad Mansour ◽  
Natan Peled ◽  
Asaf Weisman
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spine ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Cervicogenic Headache ◽  
Intervertebral Discs ◽  
Shape Variation ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Transverse Foramen ◽  
Cervicogenic Headaches ◽  
Vertebral Bodies ◽  
And Control

AbstractAs some researchers theorized that cervicogenic headache (CEH) might be related to bony and discal features of the cervical spine, this retrospective study examined the shapes of the cervical vertebrae and intervertebral discs (IVDs) of individuals with CEH and compared them to asymptomatic controls. Scans of 40 subjects in their late 20’s–mid 30’s affected with CEH and 40 asymptomatic controls were obtained (overall = 19,040 measurements, age-sex matched, 20 males and 20 females in each group). The following cervical spine variables were measured: Supine lordosis, vertebral body-heights, A-P lengths, mediolateral widths and sagittal-wedging; IVDs heights and sagittal-wedging; pedicle heights, widths and transverse angles; laminar widths and transverse angles; articular facet angles, spinal canal, and transverse foramen lengths, widths, and areas. Both groups had similar shape variation along the cervical in all the measured parameters. There were no significant left–right differences in all measured parameters and no significant differences between the CEH and control groups concerning sex and age. Cervical IVDs were lordotic in shape, whereas their adjacent vertebral bodies were kyphotic in shape except for C2. In conclusion, the shape of the cervical spine and IVDs in subjects in their late 20’s–mid 30’s affected with CEH is identical to asymptomatic controls.

The fossil record of Ceratophrys Wied-Neuwied (Anura: Ceratophryidae): a revision and update of fossil South American horned frogs

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4658 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-68
Author(s):  
LAURA NICOLI
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
South American ◽  
Unique Combination ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Environmental Tolerance ◽  
Pampean Region ◽  
Fossil Material ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Present Distribution ◽  
Living Species

Ceratophrys is the most diverse and widely distributed genus of Ceratophryidae, the clade of South American horned frogs. Numerous anuran fossil remains, including several fossil species, have been assigned to this genus. However, this seemingly extensive fossil record is problematic because several of the fossils are not properly identified and most of the taxonomic assignations are not justified. The present study traces all the fossil material attributed to Ceratophrys, clarifying, when possible, institutional allocations. Each of the remains was examined and its taxonomic assignation revisited, based on the morphology and possible synapomorphies of the genus, including its living species. Numerous fossils were properly identified and assigned with certainty to Ceratophrys. Only one fossil species, Ceratophrys ameghinorum, is considered valid. This information, along with recently reported evidence of fossil Ceratophrys, is briefly summarized to serve as a practical reference for the entire known fossil record of the genus. The fossil record is not especially informative about the evolution or distribution pattern of Ceratophrys, because most of the remains are relatively young (post-Miocene), collected within the present distribution of the genus, and morphologically consistent with that of the extant species. However, some useful information has emerged. The presence of Ceratophrys is well documented since the Neogene in the Pampean Region of South America. The single valid fossil species, Ceratophrys ameghinorum, possesses a unique combination of characters that reflects a mixture of characters observed in different clades of the genus; thus, resolution of its phylogentic position will inform our understanding of the evolution of the genus. The paleoenvironmental significance of some Ceratophrys fossils is also discussed, addressing the wide, but incompletely known current distribution and environmental tolerance of the genus.

Galathea nasimae, new name for Galathea keijii Tirmizi & Javed, 1993, preoccupied by Galathea keijii Karasawa, 1993 (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheidae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4590 (2) ◽  
pp. 296
Author(s):  
HIROAKI KARASAWA
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Arabian Sea ◽  
Andaman Sea ◽  
Zoological Nomenclature ◽  
International Code ◽  
Fossil Species ◽  
Squat Lobster ◽  
New Name ◽  
Reference Collection ◽  
Living Species

The name, Galathea keijii, was given to a Miocene fossil species of squat lobster from Japan by Karasawa (1993: 39, pl. 6, figs. 1, 2, 3, 10). In the same year, the name, Galathea keijii, was established for a living species from the Andaman Sea and Arabian Sea (Tirmizi & Javed 1993: 50, fig. 22). Therefore, both names are homonymous. The description of Karasawa was published in the Bulletin of the Mizunami Fossil Museum, no. 20, which, on the inside back cover states the date of publication as December 25, 1993. The description of Tirmizi & Javed was published in “Indian Ocean galatheids (Crustacea: Anomura)” by the Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre, University of Karachi. This work was published in 1993 but the day and month of publication were not cited in the publication. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, the date of publication for “Indian Ocean galatheids (Crustacea: Anomura)” is deemed to be the last day of 1993, by application of Article 21.3.2 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN 1999: 20). As such, application of Article 52 on the principle of homonymy of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999: 56) shows that Galathea keijii Karasawa, 1993, takes precedence over Galathea keijii Tirmizi & Javed, 1993. In accordance with Article 60 on the replacement of junior homonyms (ICZN 1999: 62, 63) a new replacement name, Galathea nasimae, is here proposed for Galathea keijii Tirmizi & Javed, 1993. It is dedicated to the late Dr. Nasima M. Tirmizi (Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre, University of Karachi).

Gross Morphological Studies on the Vertebral Column of Indian Eagle Owl (Bubo bengalensis)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Sridevi ◽  
K. Rajalakshmi ◽  
M. Sivakumar ◽  
A. Karthikeyan
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Cervical Vertebra ◽  
Neural Spine ◽  
Thoracic Vertebrae ◽  
Post Mortem ◽  
Post Mortem Examination ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
Eagle Owl

Background: Indian eagle owl known to rotate their necks up to 270 degrees in either direction without injuring their vessels running below the head thereby without cutting off blood supply to their brains. The vertebral column in birds carry peculiar features like higher number of cervical vertebrae due to long mobile neck, lumbar and sacral vertebrae fused together giving rigidity which aid in flight. The extensive fusion of vertebral column posterior to the neck provides the required rigidity in the trunk region, this inflexibility feature might reduce weight, as it avoids the need for extensive musculature to maintain a streamlined and rigid body posture during flight. The current study aimed to study the vertebral column of Indian eagle owl in order to understand the anatomical adaptations related to this species. Methods: The specimens were procured from three Indian eagle owl brought for post mortem examination during the year 2019 to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, Puducherry. After completion of the post-mortem examination the carcass was collected and macerated as per the standard technique and various measurements on vertebral column bones were measured using vernier calliper. Result: The study revealed that vertebral column of Indian eagle owl consisted of 14 cervical vertebrae, 7 thoracic vertebrae, 13 to 14 lumbar vertebrae fused with sacral vertebrae forming synsacrum and 7 coccygeal vertebrae. The hypapophyses of the 14th cervical vertebra and first two thoracic vertebrae were trifid in nature specific feature seen in Indian eagle owl. The vertebral column had characteristics features of hypapophyses, transverse process, pneumatic foramen and neural spine which enable the owl to adapt for head rotation and various task involving vertebrae.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document