scholarly journals A comparative morphological study of the sixth and seventh spinous processes of the cervical vertebrae in extinct and extant species of Equus.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon May-Davis ◽  
Robert Hunter ◽  
Wendy Brown
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Study ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Potential Use ◽  
Lateral Profile

The lateral profile of the 6th and 7th cervical spinous processes (CSPs) were examined in four extantspecies of Equus (n=33); E. caballus (n=26), E. przewalskii (n=3), E. quagga boehmi (n=1), E. asinus (n=3)and compared to pre-domesticated Equus specimens (n=66) representing three known species: E. occidentalis(n=56), E. mosbachensis (n=2), E. curvedins/insulatis (n=1) and unknown Equus species (n=7) from five museums.Six common morphological profiles were revealed: cuneate, curvate, falcate, rudimentary, scalenate,and truncate. For the 6th CSP, the distribution of these morphologies amongst extant Equus is: cuneate, onlyE. asinus; curvate, E. caballus and E. przewalskii always in combination with ligamentum lamina nuchae (lig.lamina nuchae) attachments from the 2nd through to 7th CSP inclusive; falcate, E. caballus and E. przewalskiialways in combination with lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd through to 7th CSP inclusive;rudimentary, E. caballus always associated with lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd through to 5thCSP inclusive; scalenate, E. caballus in association with lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd throughto 5th (n=11) or 7th (n=4) CSP inclusive; truncate, not present. The 6th CSP in museum specimens of Equusexhibits one of four profiles: cuneate (n=10), curvate (n=14), scalenate (n=11) and truncate (n=4). For the 7thCSP, the distribution of these morphologies amongst extant Equus is: curvate, E. caballus mostly associatedwith lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd through to 5th CSP inclusive, falcate, E. caballus mostly associatedwith lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd through to 7th CSP inclusive, scalenate, E. caballusassociated with lig. lamina nuchae attachments from the 2nd through to 5th CSP inclusive. Only Rancho LaBrea and Tar Pits Museum provided samples suitable for examination of the 7th CSP. These exhibited fourprofiles: curvate (n=7), falcate (n=11), scalenate (n=2), and truncate (n=7). These findings suggest that thelateral profile of the 6th CSP is of potential use in identification of species; attachments of the lig. lamina nuchaealter the morphology of the 6th and 7th CSP; and that attachments of the lig. lamina nuchae on the 2ndto 7th CSP were likely present in species of Equus prior to domestication.

scholarly journals A comparative morphological study of the ligamentum lamina nuchae and ligamenta interspinalia reveals enthesis patterns at the sites of attachment from the second to seventh cervical vertebrae in four extant species of Equus

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon May-Davis ◽  
Robert Hunter ◽  
Wendy Brown
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Morphological Variation ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Environmental Influences ◽  
Dorsal Spine ◽  
Spine Morphology ◽  
Size And Shape ◽  
Attachment Sites ◽  
Extant Species

Morphological variation in the attachment sites of the ligamentum lamina nuchae and ligamentainterspinalia to the 2nd to 7th cervical vertebrae is described in four species of Equus, and enthesis patterns inrelation to these attachment sites are explored. This comparative study provides new insights with respect tothis variation in the zebrine and asinine clades within Equus. In zebrines (Equus caballus, E. quagga boehmiand E. przewalskii), the ligamentum lamina nuchae attaches to the eminence of the cervical dorsal spinesfrom either the 2nd to 5th, and or 2nd to 7th. These attachments resemble digits and between each digit anaperture is apparent. The ligamenta interspinalia attach to the base of each cervical dorsal spine from the 2ndto 7th before progressing caudally onto the thoracic dorsal spines. Three enthesis patterns per cervical dorsalspine correspond to the size and shape of these ligaments. In contrast, in asinines (as represented by Equusasinus), the ligamentum lamina nuchae attaches without digitation to the complete sagittal ridge of the cervicalvertebra including the dorsal spine and exhibits no ligamenta interspinalia. Consequently, the enthesispattern is represented by a raised sagittal ridge only, excluding the 7th cervical dorsal spine. These differencesbetween the ligamentum lamina nuchae and ligamenta interspinalia attachment sites create distinct enthesispatterns that differentiate zebrines from asinines. Findings include: differing ligamentous morphology; associatedenthesis patterns corresponding to attachment sites of the ligaments to the cervical vertebrae; influencesin dorsal spine morphology subject to the presence or absence of the ligaments; and the postulation ofevolutionary functional adaptions in response to environmental influences between the two Equus clades.These results may be useful for palaeontologists in the identification of isolated cervical vertebrae.

Shedding new light on old species identifications: morphological and genetic evidence suggest a need for conservation status review of the critically endangered bat, Saccolaimus saccolaimus

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damian J. Milne ◽  
Felicity C. Jackling ◽  
Manpreet Sidhu ◽  
Belinda R. Appleton
Keyword(s):  
Threatened Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Similar Species ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Museum Collections ◽  
Species Classification ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Vital Component

Information based on the accurate identification of species is a vital component for achieving successful outcomes of biodiversity conservation and management. It is difficult to manage species that are poorly known or that are misidentified with other similar species. This is particularly problematic for rare and threatened species. Species that are listed under endangered species classification schemes need to be identified accurately and categorised correctly so that conservation efforts are appropriately allocated. In Australia, the emballonurid Saccolaimus saccolaimus is currently listed as ‘Critically Endangered’. On the basis of new observations and existing museum specimens, we used a combination of genetic (mitochondrial DNA sequence) and morphological (pelage characteristics, dig III : phalanx I length ratio, inter-upper canine distance) analyses to identify six new geographic records for S. saccolaimus, comprising ~100 individuals. Our analyses also suggested that there are likely to be more records in museum collections misidentified as S. flaviventris specimens. The external morphological similarities to S. flaviventris were addressed and genetic, morphological and echolocation analyses were used in an attempt to provide diagnostic characters that can be used to readily identify the two species in the field. We recommend genetic testing of all museum specimens of Australian Saccolaimus to clarify species’ distributions and provide data for reassessing the conservation status for both S. saccolaimus and S. flaviventris. Museum curators, taxonomists and wildlife managers need to be aware of potential species misidentifications, both in the field and laboratory. Misidentifications that result in misclassification of both threatened and non-threatened species can have significant implications.

scholarly journals MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF VARIATIONS IN FORAMEN TRANSVERSARIUM OF ATLAS VERTEBRA

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Kausar ◽  
Alok Tripathi ◽  
Ajay Kumar ◽  
Satyam Khare ◽  
Shilpi Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Transverse Process ◽  
Neck Injuries ◽  
Morphological Variations ◽  
Cervical Injuries

Introduction: Foramen transversarium are the characteristic bony feature of the cervical vertebrae. They are located on the transverse process of cervical vertebrae through which second part of vertebral artery passes along with vertebral venous and sympathetic plexus. Their variations are common with regard to size, shape, incomplete, duplicated and may even absent. Material & Methods: Two hundred foramen transversarium of one hundred atlas vertebrae were examined for morphological variations. Results: Out of hundred atlas vertebrae examined, foramen transversarium was present in all. Absence of costal element was noticed in four atlas vertebrae. Four atlas vertebrae showed incomplete bilateral foramen transversarium while four showed unilateral duplicated foramen transversarium. Conclusion: The increasing incidence of neck injuries and related syndromes necessitates the study of bony variations of the atlas vertebra and its foramen transversarium. The second part of vertebral artery is prone to be damaged during neck surgeries and posterior cervical injuries due to incomplete formation of the foramen transversarium, hence the knowledge of such variations is important for surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, neurologists, orthopedicians, radiologists and physicians.

scholarly journals Insights on the systematics and morphology of Humiriaceae (Malpighiales): androecial and extrafloral nectary variation, two new combinations, and a new Sacoglottis from Guyana

PhytoKeys ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 124 ◽  
pp. 87-121
Author(s):  
Kenneth J. Wurdack ◽  
Charles E. Zartman
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Study ◽  
Floral Morphology ◽  
Extrafloral Nectaries ◽  
New Combinations ◽  
Extrafloral Nectary ◽  
Diagnostic Features ◽  
Evolutionary Transitions ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
The Family ◽  
Eleven Species

Humiriaceae have had little recent comparative morphological study except for their distinctive fruits. We surveyed the diversity of stamen structures in the family with consideration of dehiscence patterns and the evolutionary transitions between tetra- and disporangiate anthers. Novel interpretations of floral morphology support new combinations (Duckesialiesneri K.Wurdack & C.E.Zartman, comb. nov. and Vantaneaspiritu-sancti K.Wurdack & C.E.Zartman, comb. nov.) for two species formerly in Humiriastrum. We investigated all eleven species of Sacoglottis for diagnostic features that may contribute to better species delimitations, and describe Sacoglottisperryi K.Wurdack & C.E.Zartman, sp. nov. as an endemic of the Pakaraima Mountains in western Guyana. Finally, our survey across Humiriaceae for extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) revealed their presence on leaves of all extant species as adaxial basilaminar and/or abaxial embedded glands, in addition to the frequent occurrence of marginal glandular setae. The significance of inter-generic variation in gland position and anther morphology within the family are discussed.

scholarly journals A Morphological Study on Cervical Vertebrae and It’s Clinical Relevance

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 85-90
Author(s):  
Padmalatha K ◽  
◽  
Kalpana S Udupa ◽  
Bindusar G Hosmani ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Relevance ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Cervical Vertebrae

Periclimenes laevimanus sp. nov. from Vietnam, with a review of the Periclimenes granulimanus species group (Crustacea: Decapoda: Palaemonidae: Pontoniinae)

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2372 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZDENĚK ĎURIŠ
Keyword(s):  
Species Complex ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Single Pair ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
New Host ◽  
Identification Of Species

A new, hydroid-associated representative of the genus Periclimenes from Vietnam is described and illustrated. P. laevimanus sp. nov. is most similar to P. granulimanus Bruce, 1978, but differs from it by the more slender and smooth, not granulated, major second pereiopod and the non-dentate cutting edges of the minor second pereiopod. A new host is reported for P. granulimanus. Mouth parts are described and illustrated for P. brucei Ď uriš, 1990. This species is easily distinguished by its extremely elongate second pereiopods, with the carpus longer than the chela, and the walking legs lacking simple spines proximally from the distoventral series of paired spines. Periclimenes tonga Bruce, 1990 differs from other members of the species group by having only a single pair of dorsal telson spines. A key for the identification of species of the herein established P. granulimanus species group is provided. Types and/or museum specimens of some other Periclimenes species (P. hongkongensis Bruce, 1969, P. nomadophila Berggren, 1994, P. ruber Bruce, 1982, and P. toloensis Bruce, 1969) were examined to evaluate their relationship with the P. granulimanus species complex.

The postcranial skeletons of the Triassic mammals Eozostrodon, Megazostrodon and Erythrotherium

1976 ◽  
Vol 273 (926) ◽  
pp. 387-431 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Vertebrae ◽  
Neuromuscular Control ◽  
Shoulder Girdle ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Spinous Processes ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Atlanto Axial Joint ◽  
Occipital Condyles ◽  
First Time ◽  
Flexion And Extension

Abundant but dissociated postcranial materials assignable to Eozostrodon (from Pont Alun quarry, Glamorgan, Wales) are described together with the associated, partial skeletons of Megazostrodon rudnerae and Erythrotherium parringtoni (from the Red Beds of southern Africa). The postcranial skeletons of these Triassic triconodonts are evaluated in both comparative and functional terms. Triassic triconodonts inherited from cynodonts specializations in the atlas-axis complex (e.g. double occipital condyles, a dens, reduction of the atlanto-axial zygapophyses) which permitted extensive cranial flexion-extension at the atlanto-occipital joint and rotation at the atlanto-axial joint. Marked differentiation of the major vertebral regions appears for the first time among mammals. In Megazostrodon , post-axis cervical vertebrae bear relatively narrow laminae and pedicles, broadly spaced zygapophyses, and rod-like, posteriorly recurved spinous processes; this pattern appears to be basic to mammals, and is retained among many later, generalized groups. The structure of the cervical vertebrae reveals that a cervico-thoracic flexure and an ascending posture of the neck were present. The large size of cervical vertebral foramina is evidence of a marked enlargement of the spinal cord at levels corresponding to the origin of the brachial plexus; this relationship may be interpreted as evidence of a greater neuromuscular control of the forelimb and a freedom of neck movement typical of mammals. An ‘anticlinal’ region in the thoracolumbar vertebral series has been identified in Eozostrodon ; this musculoskeletal specialization is related to axial flexion and extension characteristic of the posture and locomotor movements in mammals. The sacrum consists of at least two (and possibly three) vertebrae. The tail is moderately long and incorporates approximately twelve vertebrae. The shoulder girdle of Eozostrodon is little modified from the basic cynodont pattern; a T-shaped interclavicle, the lack of a supraspinous fossa, and the presence of both coracoids are features retained by monotremes. Both the coracoid and the scapula participate in the narrow, semi-lunar glenoid. The humero-ulnar joint is condylar, rather than trochlear, a condition retained by monotremes and other non-therian groups. The pelvic girdle represents a fully mammalian grade of organization; there is no evidence of epipubic bones. The limb skeleton, and particularly the joints, show various features consistent with an interpretation of well-developed mobility. The claw structure is suggestive of prehensility and an ability to climb. The hallux, at least, was probably somewhat divergent, and its joint structures indicate that abduction and extension (independent of the other digits) were possible. Triassic mammals as now known were all small, insectivorous forms; Megazostrodon was approximately 10 cm in head-body length, probably weighed between 20 and 30 g, and was proportioned similarly to medium-sized shrews (e.g. Suncus murinus, Blarina blarina ). A skeletal reconstruction of a Triassic triconodont is depicted, and an interpretation of their habits is presented.

scholarly journals A morphological study of vertebral centra in extant species of pike, Esox (Teleostei: Esociformes)

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 111-128
Author(s):  
Sinjini Sinha ◽  
Don B Brinkman ◽  
Alison M. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Late Cretaceous ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Vertebral Column ◽  
Early History ◽  
Vertebral Centra ◽  
Extant Species ◽  
The Family ◽  
Early Paleocene ◽  
History Of

            Isolated centra of members of the Esocidae occur frequently in vertebrate microfossil localities of Late Cretaceous and early Paleocene age and are an important source of data on the early history of the family. However, morphological variation along the vertebral column can lead to incorrect interpretations of diversity if they are not recognized. To facilitate the use of centra for interpreting the diversity and distribution of esocids in Cretaceous vertebrate microfossil localities, the variation along the column in five extant species of esocids is described. Comparison with Cretaceous centra referred to the Esocidae allows identification of a series of features in which species of Esox differ from basal members of the family. These include the presence of a mid-ventral groove bordered by a pair of low budges on centra in the anterior end of the column, and antero-lateral processes on the posterior abdominal and anterior caudal centra. These differences provide a basis for recognizing early occurrences of the genus Esox in the fossil record and thus will allow centra to be used to document the timing of origin of the genus.

scholarly journals On the systematic status of the genus Oriocalotes Günther, 1864 (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae) with the description of a new species from Mizoram state, Northeast India

Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4638 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-484
Author(s):  
VARAD. B. GIRI ◽  
R. CHAITANYA ◽  
STEPHEN MAHONY ◽  
SAMUEL LALROUNGA ◽  
C. LALRINCHHANA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Morphological Study ◽  
Phylogenetic Trees ◽  
Systematic Position ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Museum Specimens ◽  
Systematic Status ◽  
Morphological Studies ◽  
A New Species ◽  
Subjective Synonym

The montane agamid lizard genus Oriocalotes is currently considered monotypic, represented by the species, O. paulus. The systematic status of this taxon has remained questionable since its initial descriptions in the mid-1800s. A detailed molecular and morphological study was carried out to assess the validity of this genus, and its systematic position within the Asian agamid subfamily, Draconinae. Freshly collected and historical museum specimens from the type locality of O. paulus were examined morphologically, along with additional samples collected from localities in Mizoram state, Northeast India. Utilising newly generated molecular sequences (two mitochondrial and three nuclear genes), combined with those previously published for representative genera from the subfamilies Draconinae and Agaminae, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees were constructed. Phylogenetic results suggest that Oriocalotes is part of the widespread South and Southeast Asian radiation of Calotes. Comparative morphological studies (including external morphology, hemipenis and osteology) between Oriocalotes and related genera further support this systematic placement. Oriocalotes is herein regarded as a junior subjective synonym of Calotes. Calotes paulus comb. nov. is also assigned a lectotype and given a detailed redescription based on the lectotype, paralectotypes and additional topotypic material. Furthermore, the specimens collected from Mizoram populations are found to be morphologically and genetically distinct from Calotes paulus comb. nov., and are described herein as a new species, Calotes zolaiking sp. nov. 

scholarly journals Amphibiomorphic Modeled and Painted Pottery from Argentine Patagonia and Central-Southern Chile. Functional Interpretation and Identification of Species Based on Mimetic and Aposematic Traits

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 394-405
Author(s):  
Alberto E. Pérez ◽  
Verónica Schuster ◽  
Daniella P. Jofré
Keyword(s):  
Toxic Substances ◽  
Southern Chile ◽  
Functional Interpretation ◽  
Northwestern Argentina ◽  
Argentine Patagonia ◽  
Early Ceramic ◽  
Identification Of Species ◽  
Painted Pottery ◽  
North Western ◽  
Potential Use

Abstract This work aims to identify attributes or features related to endemic amphibians in modeled and painted pottery from central-southern Chile and north-western Argentina. From this work, we were able to identify four species of amphibians represented in certain types of modeled and painted pottery, and we also complemented this data with modern references and ethnohistorical chronicles of the potential use given to this pottery in particular. This contribution postulates that some elements of the black-onred pottery of the Early Ceramic Period of Araucanía in central-southern Chile and of Patagonia in northwestern Argentina, seek to highlight amphibiomorphic characteristics such as exophthalmia (protruding eyes) and aposematism (brilliant coloring and brightness of the vessel by using an engobe decoration). Based on the ethnohistorical data of the area, it is also proposed that these vessels could be linked to the exclusive use of highly toxic substances. Finally, the results allowed us to explore the close ecological interaction between human groups and woodlands.

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