1
|
Taverne M, Watson PJ, Dutel H, Boistel R, Lisicic D, Tadic Z, Fabre AC, Fagan MJ, Herrel A. Form-function relationships underlie rapid dietary changes in a lizard. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230582. [PMID: 37282532 PMCID: PMC10244978 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroevolutionary changes such as variation in habitat use or diet are often associated with convergent, adaptive changes in morphology. However, it is still unclear how small-scale morphological variation at the population level can drive shifts in ecology such as observed at a macroevolutionary scale. Here, we address this question by investigating how variation in cranial form and feeding mechanics relate to rapid changes in diet in an insular lizard (Podarcis siculus) after experimental introduction into a new environment. We first quantified differences in the skull shape and jaw muscle architecture between the source and introduced population using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and dissections. Next, we tested the impact of the observed variation in morphology on the mechanical performance of the masticatory system using computer-based biomechanical simulation techniques. Our results show that small differences in shape, combined with variation in muscle architecture, can result in significant differences in performance allowing access to novel trophic resources. The confrontation of these data with the already described macroevolutionary relationships between cranial form and function in these insular lizards provides insights into how selection can, over relatively short time scales, drive major changes in ecology through its impact on mechanical performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Taverne
- UMR 7179, Département Adaptations du Vivant, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - P. J. Watson
- Department of Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - H. Dutel
- Department of Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - R. Boistel
- UMR 7179, Département Adaptations du Vivant, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
| | - D. Lisicic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Z. Tadic
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - A-C. Fabre
- Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern, Bernastrasse 15, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute of Ecology & Evolution, Universität Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - M. J. Fagan
- Department of Engineering, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, UK
| | - A. Herrel
- UMR 7179, Département Adaptations du Vivant, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, France
- Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern, Bernastrasse 15, 3005 Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Frýdlová P, Janovská V, Mrzílková J, Halašková M, Riegerová M, Dudák J, Tymlová V, Žemlička J, Zach P, Frynta D. The first description of dermal armour in snakes. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6405. [PMID: 37076516 PMCID: PMC10115820 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33244-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoderms, also called dermal armour, often play a role in predator defence. The presence of osteoderms is highly irregularly distributed across the squamate phylogeny and they have not been found in snakes. In this study, we searched for candidate snake species that would benefit from such armour to protect their body, focusing primarily on fossorial species with defensive tail displays. We examined the tail morphology of 27 snake species from different families using micro-computed tomography (µCT) and micro- radiography. We discovered dermal armour in four species of sand boas (Erycidae) that also feature enlarged and highly modified caudal vertebrae. This is the first description of dermal armour in snakes. Ancestral state reconstructions revealed that osteoderms likely evolved once or multiple times in Erycidae. We have not found osteoderms in any other examined snake species. Nevertheless, similar structures are known from unrelated squamate clades, such as gerrhosaurids and geckos. This supports the idea of underlying deep developmental homology. We propose the hypothesis that osteoderms protect sand boas like the "brigandine armour" of medieval warriors. We interpret it as another component of the sand boas' rich defence strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Frýdlová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Anatomy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Janovská
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Mrzílková
- Department of Anatomy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milada Halašková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Riegerová
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dudák
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Tymlová
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Žemlička
- Institute of Experimental and Applied Physics, Czech Technical University in Prague, 110 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Zach
- Department of Anatomy, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 100 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Frynta
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 128 43, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Is Fluctuating Asymmetry a Sufficient Indicator of Stress Level in Two Lizard Species (Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis) from Alpine Habitats? Symmetry (Basel) 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/sym15030721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpine habitats are exposed to increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change. The negative impacts can lead to chronic stress that can affect the survival and reproductive success of individuals and even lead to population extinction. In this study, we analyse different morphological and ecological traits and indices of abiotic and biotic stressors (such as head size and shape, fluctuating asymmetry, body condition index, tail autotomy, and population abundance) in alpine and subalpine populations of two lacertid species (Zootoca vivipara and Lacerta agilis) from Serbia and North Macedonia. These lizards live under different conditions: allotopy/syntopy, different anthropogenic pressure, and different levels of habitat protection. We found differences between syntopic and allotopic populations in pileus size, body condition index (in both species), pileus shape, fluctuating asymmetry (in L. agilis), and abundance (in Z. vivipara). Differences between populations under anthropogenic pressure and populations without it were observed in pileus shape, body condition index (in both species), pileus size, fluctuating asymmetry, tail autotomy and abundance (in L. agilis). On the basis of our results, it is necessary to include other stress indicators in addition to fluctuating asymmetry to quickly observe and quantify the negative effects of threat factors and apply protective measures.
Collapse
|
4
|
Marghoub A, Williams CJ, Leite JV, Kirby AC, Kéver L, Porro LB, Barrett PM, Bertazzo S, Abzhanov A, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, Evans SE, Moazen M. Unravelling the structural variation of lizard osteoderms. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:306-316. [PMID: 35552001 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate skin is a remarkable organ that supports and protects the body. It consists of two layers, the epidermis and the underlying dermis. In some tetrapods, the dermis includes mineralised organs known as osteoderms (OD). Lizards, with over 7,000 species, show the greatest diversity in OD morphology and distribution, yet we barely understand what drives this diversity. This multiscale analysis of five species of lizards, whose lineages diverged ∼100-150 million years ago, compared the micro- and macrostructure, material properties, and bending rigidity of their ODs, and examined the underlying bones of the skull roof and jaw (including teeth when possible). Unsurprisingly, OD shape, taken alone, impacts bending rigidity, with the ODs of Corucia zebrata being most flexible and those of Timon lepidus being most rigid. Macroscopic variation is also reflected in microstructural diversity, with differences in tissue composition and arrangement. However, the properties of the core bony tissues, in both ODs and cranial bones, were found to be similar across taxa, although the hard, capping tissue on the ODs of Heloderma and Pseudopus had material properties similar to those of tooth enamel. The results offer evidence on the functional adaptations of cranial ODs, but questions remain regarding the factors driving their diversity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for various areas of the physical and biological sciences. Here we unravelled a novel biomineralization, i.e. calcified tissue, OD, forming within the skin of lizards which show significant diversity across the group. A range of techniques were used to provide an insight into these exceptionally diverse natural structures, in an integrated, whole system fashion. Our results offer some suggestions into the functional and biomechanical adaptations of OD and their hierarchical structure. This knowledge can provide a potential source of inspiration for biomimetic and bioinspired designs, applicable to the manufacturing of light-weight, damage-tolerant and multifunctional materials for areas such as tissue engineering.
Collapse
|
5
|
Liang C, Marghoub A, Kever L, Bertazzo S, Abzhanov A, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, E Evans S, Moazen M. Lizard osteoderms - Morphological characterisation, biomimetic design and manufacturing based on three species. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:066011. [PMID: 34525458 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac26d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteoderms (OD) are mineralised dermal structures consisting mainly of calcium phosphate and collagen. The sheer diversity of OD morphologies and their distribution within the skin of lizards makes these reptiles an ideal group in which to study ODs. Nonetheless, our understanding of the structure, development, and function of lizard ODs remains limited. The specific aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a detailed morphological characterisation of ODs in three lizard species; (2) to design and manufacture biomimetic sheets of ODs corresponding to the OD arrangement in each species; and (3) to evaluate the impact resistance of the manufactured biomimetic sheets under a drop weight test. Skin samples of the anguimorphsH. suspectumandO. ventralis, and the skinkC. zebratawere obtained from frozen lab specimens. Following a series of imaging and image characterisations, 3D biomimetic models of the ODs were developed. 3D models were then printed using additive manufacturing techniques and subjected to drop weight impact tests. The results suggest that a 3D printed compound of overlapping ODs as observed inCoruciacan potentially offers a higher energy absorption by comparison with the overlapping ODs ofOphisaurusand the non-overlapping ODs ofHeloderma.Compound overlapping ODs need to be further tested and explored as a biomimetic concept to increase the shock absorption capabilities of devices and structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ce Liang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Loic Kever
- UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silkwood18 Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schucht PJ, Rühr PT, Geier B, Glaw F, Lambertz M. Armored with skin and bone: A combined histological and
μCT
‐study of the exceptional integument of the
Antsingy
leaf chameleon
Brookesia perarmata
(Angel, 1933). J Morphol 2020; 281:754-764. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pia J. Schucht
- Institut für ZoologieRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms‐Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss Bonn Germany
| | - Peter T. Rühr
- AG Morphologische DynamikenInstitut für Zoologie, Biozentrum, Universität zu Köln Köln Germany
- Zentrum für Molekulare BiodiversitätsforschungZoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Bonn Germany
| | - Benedikt Geier
- Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology Bremen Germany
| | - Frank Glaw
- Sektion HerpetologieZoologische Staatssammlung München (ZSM‐SNSB) Munich Germany
| | - Markus Lambertz
- Institut für ZoologieRheinische Friedrich‐Wilhelms‐Universität Bonn, Poppelsdorfer Schloss Bonn Germany
- Sektion HerpetologieZoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig Bonn Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Laver RJ, Morales CH, Heinicke MP, Gamble T, Longoria K, Bauer AM, Daza JD. The development of cephalic armor in the tokay gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae:
Gekko gecko
). J Morphol 2019; 281:213-228. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Laver
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Cristian H. Morales
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
- Department of Biology University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas
| | - Matthew P. Heinicke
- Department of Natural Sciences University of Michigan‐Dearborn Dearborn Michigan
| | - Tony Gamble
- Department of Biological Sciences Marquette University Milwaukee Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Public Museum Milwaukee Wisconsin
- Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota Saint Paul Minnesota
| | - Kristin Longoria
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
| | - Aaron M. Bauer
- Department of Biology Villanova University Villanova Pennsylvania
| | - Juan D. Daza
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vukov T, Mirč M, Tomašević Kolarov N, Stamenković S. Urbanization and the common wall lizard (
Podarcis muralis
) in the Pannonian basin, Serbia: nowhere safe? J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- T. Vukov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’ University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - M. Mirč
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’ University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - N. Tomašević Kolarov
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Institute for Biological Research ‘Siniša Stanković’ University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - S. Stamenković
- Faculty of Biology University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Čerňanský A, Syromyatnikova EV. The first Miocene fossils of Lacerta cf. trilineata (Squamata, Lacertidae) with a comparative study of the main cranial osteological differences in green lizards and their relatives. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216191. [PMID: 31433807 PMCID: PMC6703700 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We here describe the first fossil remains of a green lizard of the Lacerta group from the late Miocene (MN 13) of the Solnechnodolsk locality in southern European Russia. This region of Europe is crucial for our understanding of the paleobiogeography and evolution of these middle-sized lizards. Although this clade has a broad geographical distribution across the continent today, its presence in the fossil record has only rarely been reported. In contrast to that, the material described here is abundant, consists of a premaxilla, maxillae, frontals, parietals, jugals, quadrate, pterygoids, dentaries and vertebrae. The comparison of these elements to all extant green lizard species shows that these fossils are indistinguishable from Lacerta trilineata. Thus, they form the first potential evidence of the occurrence of this species in the Miocene. This may be also used as a potential calibration point for further studies. Together with other lizard fossils, Solnechnodolsk shows an interesting combination of survivors and the dawn of modern species. This locality provides important evidence for the transition of an archaic Miocene world to the modern diversity of lizards in Europe. In addition, this article represents a contribution to the knowledge of the comparative osteological anatomy of the selected cranial elements in lacertids. This study gives special emphasis to the green lizards, but new data are also presented for related taxa, e.g., Timon lepidus, Podarcis muralis or Zootoca vivipara. Although the green lizards include several cryptic species for which determination based on isolated osteological material would be expected to be difficult, our comparisons show several important morphological differences, although a high degree of variability is present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Čerňanský
- Department of Ecology, Laboratory of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Elena V Syromyatnikova
- Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Maisano JA, Laduc TJ, Bell CJ, Barber D. The Cephalic Osteoderms of Varanus komodoensis as Revealed by High-Resolution X-Ray Computed Tomography. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 302:1675-1680. [PMID: 31177617 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24197] [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: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms constitute a morphological system that plays an important role in squamate systematics. However, their study and visualization have always been difficult due to their isolated occurrence in the skin, among the first organs to be removed during the skeletonization process. High-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT) offers a nondestructive means of visualizing osteoderms both in their natural relationship to each other and to the underlying cranial bones. Although it is often stated that Varanus komodoensis has a "chain mail" of osteoderms, this morphological system was never described in this taxon. Further, given its size, it might be expected that V. komodoensis would present the extreme of osteoderm development in extant varanids, a group that tends to have weakly developed osteoderms or none at all. Indeed, our HRXCT scan of a 19-year-old captive individual reveals an elaborate mesh of cephalic osteoderms that are incredibly numerous and morphologically diverse. We describe this skeletal system and compare it to the cephalic osteoderms in other varanoids. Anat Rec, 302:1675-1680, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Maisano
- Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
| | - Travis J Laduc
- Biodiversity Collections, Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Postnatal Dynamics of Developmental Stability and Canalization of Lizard Head Shape Under Different Environmental Conditions. Evol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-016-9377-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
12
|
Simon MN, Marroig G. Landmark precision and reliability and accuracy of linear distances estimated by using 3D computed micro-tomography and the open-source TINA Manual Landmarking Tool software. Front Zool 2015; 12:12. [PMID: 26120349 PMCID: PMC4481120 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-015-0101-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The wider availability of non-destructive and high-resolution methods, such as micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), has prompted its use in anatomical and morphometric studies. Yet, because of the actual scanning procedure and the processing of CT data by software that renders 3D surfaces or volumes, systematic errors might be introduced in placing landmarks as well as in estimating linear distances. Here we assess landmark precision and measurement reliability and accuracy of using micro-CT images of toad skulls and the TINA Manual Landmarking Tool software to place 20 landmarks and extract 24 linear distances. Landmark precision and linear distances calculated from 3D images were compared to the same landmarks and distances obtained with a 3D digitizer in the same skulls. We also compared landmarks and linear distances in 3D images of the same individuals scanned with distinct filters, since we detected variation in bone thickness or density among the individuals used. Results We show that landmark precision is higher for micro-CT than for the 3D digitizer. Distance reliability was very high within-methods, but decreased in 20 % when 3D digitizer and micro-CT data were joined together. Still, we did not find any systematic bias in estimating linear distances with the micro-CT data and the between-methods errors were similar for all distances (around 0.25 mm). Absolute errors correspond to about 6.5 % of the distance’s means for micro-CT resolutions and 3D digitizer comparisons, and to 3 % for the filter type analysis. Conclusions We conclude that using micro-CT data for morphometric analysis results in acceptable landmark precision and similar estimates of most linear distances compared to 3D digitizer, although some distances are more prone to discrepancies between-methods. Yet, caution in relation to the scale of the measurements needs to be taken, since the proportional between-method error is higher for smaller distances. Scanning with distinct filters does not introduce a high level of error and is recommended when individuals differ in bone density. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-015-0101-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Nouailhetas Simon
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, 05508-090 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Marroig
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 277, 05508-090 São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lazić MM, Carretero MA, Crnobrnja-Isailović J, Kaliontzopoulou A. Effects of environmental disturbance on phenotypic variation: an integrated assessment of canalization, developmental stability, modularity, and allometry in lizard head shape. Am Nat 2014; 185:44-58. [PMID: 25560552 DOI: 10.1086/679011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
When populations experience suboptimal conditions, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of phenotypic variation can be challenged, resulting in increased phenotypic variance. This kind of disturbance can be diagnosed by using morphometric tools to study morphological patterns at different hierarchical levels and evaluate canalization, developmental stability, integration, modularity, and allometry. We assess the effect of urbanization on phenotypic variation in the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) by using geometric morphometrics to assess disturbance to head shape development. The head shapes of urban lizards were more variable and less symmetric, suggesting that urban living is more likely to disturb development. Head shape variation was congruent within and across individuals, which indicated that canalization and developmental stability are two related phenomena in these organisms. Furthermore, urban lizards exhibited smaller mean head sizes, divergent size-shape allometries, and increased deviation from within-group allometric lines. This suggests that mechanisms regulating head shape allometry may also be disrupted. The integrated evaluation of several measures of developmental instability at different hierarchical levels, which provided in this case congruent results, can be a powerful methodological guide for future studies, as it enhances the detection of environmental disturbances on phenotypic variation and aids biological interpretation of the results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marko M Lazić
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Albertine KH, Miller SC. The Anatomical Recordis Alive With Leapin' Lizards and Slitherin' Snakes. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 297:337-40. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
15
|
Bell CJ, Mead JI. Not Enough Skeletons in the Closet: Collections-Based Anatomical Research in an Age of Conservation Conscience. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 297:344-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.22852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Bell
- Jackson School of Geosciences; The University of Texas at Austin; Austin Texas
| | - Jim I. Mead
- Department of Geosciences and Center of Excellence in Paleontology; East Tennessee State University; Johnson City Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Arbour VM, Burns ME, Bell PR, Currie PJ. Epidermal and dermal integumentary structures of ankylosaurian dinosaurs. J Morphol 2013; 275:39-50. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. Arbour
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Michael E. Burns
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
| | - Phil R. Bell
- Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative; Clairmont Alberta T0H 0W0 Canada
| | - Philip J. Currie
- Department of Biological Sciences; University of Alberta; Edmonton Alberta T6G 2E9 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Moazen M, Costantini D, Bruner E. A sensitivity analysis to the role of the fronto-parietal suture in Lacerta bilineata: a preliminary finite element study. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2012. [PMID: 23192831 DOI: 10.1002/ar.22629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cranial sutures are sites of bone growth and development but micromovements at these sites may distribute the load across the skull more evenly. Computational studies have incorporated sutures into finite element (FE) models to assess various hypotheses related to their function. However, less attention has been paid to the sensitivity of the FE results to the shape, size, and stiffness of the modeled sutures. Here, we assessed the sensitivity of the strain predictions to the aforementioned parameters in several models of fronto-parietal (FP) suture in Lacerta bilineata. For the purpose of this study, simplifications were made in relation to modeling the bone properties and the skull loading. Results highlighted that modeling the FP as either an interdigitated suture or a simplified butt suture, did not reduce the strain distribution in the FP region. Sensitivity tests showed that similar patterns of strain distribution can be obtained regardless of the size of the suture, or assigned stiffness, yet the exact magnitudes of strains are highly sensitive to these parameters. This study raises the question whether the morphogenesis of epidermic scales in the FP region in the Lacertidae is related to high strain fields in this region, because of micromovement in the FP suture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Moazen
- Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Urošević A, Ljubisavljević K, Jelić D, Ivanović A. Variation in the cranium shape of wall lizards (Podarcis spp.): effects of phylogenetic constraints, allometric constraints and ecology. ZOOLOGY 2012; 115:207-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Revised: 12/26/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|