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Losso SR, Affatato P, Nanglu K, Ortega-Hernández J. Convergent evolution of ventral adaptations for enrolment in trilobites and extant euarthropods. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20232212. [PMID: 38113938 PMCID: PMC10730288 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability to enrol for protection is an effective defensive strategy that has convergently evolved multiple times in disparate animal groups ranging from euarthropods to mammals. Enrolment is a staple habit of trilobites, and their biomineralized dorsal exoskeleton offered a versatile substrate for the evolution of interlocking devices. However, it is unknown whether trilobites also featured ventral adaptations for enrolment. Here, we report ventral exoskeletal adaptations that facilitate enrolment in exceptionally preserved trilobites from the Middle Ordovician Walcott-Rust Quarry in New York State, USA. Walcott-Rust trilobites reveal the intricate three-dimensional organization of the non-biomineralized ventral anatomy preserved as calcite casts, including the spatial relationship between the articulated sternites (i.e. ventral exoskeletal plates) and the wedge-shaped protopodites. Enrolment in trilobites is achieved by ventrally dipping the anterior margin of the sternites during trunk flexure, facilitated by the presence of flexible membranes, and with the close coupling of the wedge-shaped protopodites. Comparisons with the ventral morphology of extant glomerid millipedes and terrestrial isopods reveal similar mechanisms used for enrolment. The wedge-shaped protopodites of trilobites closely resemble the gnathobasic coxa/protopodite of extant horseshoe crabs. We propose that the trilobites' wedge-shaped protopodite simultaneously facilitated tight enrolment and gnathobasic feeding with the trunk appendages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Losso
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Pauline Affatato
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Karma Nanglu
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Javier Ortega-Hernández
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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2
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Souto EPF, Oliveira AM, Cardoso DF, Figueiredo LWP, Kommers GD, Galiza GJN, Mota RA, Dantas AFM. Osteosarcoma in a free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus). J Comp Pathol 2023; 206:9-12. [PMID: 37717411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
An adult male free-living yellow armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) was found by hunters and referred for clinical evaluation because of a tumour-like lesion on the carapace. The animal was lethargic and weak with severe dehydration, enophthalmos and cachexia, and was euthanized because of its very poor clinical condition. Necropsy revealed a whitish, exophytic, irregular and moist mass (7 × 6.5 × 1.5 cm) in the caudal third of the carapace. On cut section, the mass was hard, compact, irregular and whitish. Histopathology revealed a densely cellular, expansive, poorly delimited neoplasm composed of malignant mesenchymal cells arranged in islands and cords, interspersed by numerous areas of irregularly mineralized osteoid matrix. Neoplastic cells were intensely immunolabelled for vimentin. The diagnosis of a high-grade osteosarcoma of osteoblastic subtype was based on the clinical, gross, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This first report of an osteosarcoma in an armadillo expands the list of armadillo diseases and will assist the management of these animals by veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick P F Souto
- Postdoctoral Research Internship, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil.
| | - Artefio M Oliveira
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Débora F Cardoso
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Lucas W P Figueiredo
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Glaucia D Kommers
- Pathology Department, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Glauco J N Galiza
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Rinaldo A Mota
- Postdoctoral Research Internship, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
| | - Antonio F M Dantas
- Laboratory of Animal Pathology, Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraiba, Brazil
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3
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Magalhães RA, Feijó A, Bocchiglieri A, de Sena LMM, Attias N, Rodrigues FHG. Cephalic shield morphology as species diagnostic trait and individual natural mark in three-banded armadillos ( Tolypeutes; Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae). MAMMALIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2022-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested species- and individual-specific morphologies of cephalic shields of three-banded armadillos (Tolypeutes spp.). Central cephalic scutes would form discrete lines; the first two posterior lines being composed of one scute (1-1) in Tolypeutes matacus and one followed by two scutes (1-2) in Tolypeutes tricinctus. However, conclusions were limited to a few specimens and the T. tricinctus pattern was later observed in T. matacus. Here, we assessed the potential use of the morphology of the cephalic shield as a species diagnostic trait and individual natural mark in three-banded armadillos by quantifying their patterns in museum (n = 71) and field (n = 82) specimens. In total, 93% of T. matacus and 88% of T. tricinctus specimens presented the respective species’ character states. All specimens could be individualized based on a visual comparison of their cephalic shields. Our findings show that the morphology of cephalic shields is a species diagnostic trait and an individual natural mark in three-banded armadillos. Therefore, we add an accessible character for species diagnosis in Tolypeutes and provide an alternative to artificial marks that presents virtually no associated cost and damage to animal welfare and can be reliably applied in ecological and participatory science projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo Assis Magalhães
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Anderson Feijó
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , China
| | - Adriana Bocchiglieri
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação , Universidade Federal de Sergipe , São Cristóvão , Sergipe , Brazil
| | - Liana Mara Mendes de Sena
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, Conservação e Manejo da Vida Silvestre , Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Nina Attias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal , Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso do Sul , Brazil
- Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS) , Campo Grande , Mato Grosso do Sul , Brazil
| | - Flávio Henrique Guimarães Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos, Departamento de Genética , Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
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4
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5
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Marshall SK, Superina M, Spainhower KB, Butcher MT. Forelimb myology of armadillos (Xenarthra: Cingulata, Chlamyphoridae): Anatomical correlates with fossorial ability. J Anat 2021; 238:551-575. [PMID: 33111984 PMCID: PMC7855086 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Descriptions of myology reflect adaptations of the post-cranium and are essential for understanding the functional morphology of animal limbs. Armadillos (Cingulata) are the most species-rich group of the basal superorder Xenarthra, which is evident by their various lifestyles (subterranean vs. terrestrial) and levels of fossoriality (fossorial vs. semi-fossorial). While there have been several studies on limb bone proportions in numerous armadillos, limb myology has been reported for a limited number of species. Many of these descriptions need updating, and detailed quantitative muscle data are available only for nine-banded armadillos. The main objective of this study is to assess the forelimb myology of the pichi (Zaedyus pichiy), screaming hairy (Chaetophractus vellerosus), large hairy (Chaetophractus villosus), and pink fairy (Chlamyphorus truncatus) armadillos with comparisons to previous observations to specify muscle traits that indicate scratch-digging specializations in cingulates. Several myological features are variable among the species studied, including the origin of m. trapezius pars cervicalis, presence of a distinct m. rhomboideus profundus and m. omotransversarius, and number of heads present for m. triceps brachii and m. flexor digitorum profundus, all of which can be associated with variability in their respective habitats and functional habits. These traits are consistently observed in the members of the Euphractinae, whereas they are slightly divergent (i.e., reduced complexity) in the pink fairy armadillo despite a similar distribution of muscle mass in the limb retractors, elbow extensors, and carpal/digital flexors across species. The ecomorphology observed here among cingulates also confirms their recent reorganization into separate families and subfamilies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah K. Marshall
- Department of Biological SciencesYoungstown State UniversityYoungstownOHUSA
| | - Mariella Superina
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de CuyoUNCuyo—CONICETMendozaArgentina
| | - Kyle B. Spainhower
- Department of Biological SciencesYoungstown State UniversityYoungstownOHUSA
| | - Michael T. Butcher
- Department of Biological SciencesYoungstown State UniversityYoungstownOHUSA
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Lundgren EJ, Schowanek SD, Rowan J, Middleton O, Pedersen RØ, Wallach AD, Ramp D, Davis M, Sandom CJ, Svenning JC. Functional traits of the world's late Quaternary large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores. Sci Data 2021; 8:17. [PMID: 33473149 PMCID: PMC7817692 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-00788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Prehistoric and recent extinctions of large-bodied terrestrial herbivores had significant and lasting impacts on Earth's ecosystems due to the loss of their distinct trait combinations. The world's surviving large-bodied avian and mammalian herbivores remain among the most threatened taxa. As such, a greater understanding of the ecological impacts of large herbivore losses is increasingly important. However, comprehensive and ecologically-relevant trait datasets for extinct and extant herbivores are lacking. Here, we present HerbiTraits, a comprehensive functional trait dataset for all late Quaternary terrestrial avian and mammalian herbivores ≥10 kg (545 species). HerbiTraits includes key traits that influence how herbivores interact with ecosystems, namely body mass, diet, fermentation type, habitat use, and limb morphology. Trait data were compiled from 557 sources and comprise the best available knowledge on late Quaternary large-bodied herbivores. HerbiTraits provides a tool for the analysis of herbivore functional diversity both past and present and its effects on Earth's ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick J Lundgren
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia.
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Simon D Schowanek
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - John Rowan
- Department of Anthropology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, 12222, USA
| | - Owen Middleton
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Sussex, UK
| | - Rasmus Ø Pedersen
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Arian D Wallach
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Matt Davis
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA, 90007, USA
| | | | - Jens-Christian Svenning
- Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Section for Ecoinformatics and Biodiversity, Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Araújo JVS, de Barros GM, Cavalcante MMADS, Silva ABSD, Monção ÉDC, Mendonça TGS, Mendes Júnior AC. Morphological features of lower respiratory tract of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, Linnaeus, 1758). Anat Histol Embryol 2020; 50:234-239. [PMID: 32997356 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) is a mammal of the Xenarthra Superorder, which inhabits Central, South and North America. Few morphological descriptions are observed in this species, including the respiratory tract; therefore, the objective of this study was to describe morphologically the lower respiratory tract of the nine-banded armadillo. Five animals were dissected, and the macroscopic and microscopic aspects were analysed. In the anatomical analysis, the perfusion technique was performed with vinyl acetate and the fragments of tissue from respiratory organs (trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and pulmonary lobes) were stained with haematoxylin-eosin for visualization under optical microscopy. Containing about 30 cartilage rings, the trachea is lined internally with ciliated pseudostratified epithelial tissue. The lungs are subdivided into lobes by deep interlobar fissures, with two lobes in the right lung and three lobes in the left lung. Microscopically, the primary, secondary and tertiary bronchi have non-ciliated pseudostratified epithelium with goblet cells. It was found that macro- and microscopically the respiratory tract of this species is similar to existing xenarthras and other excavator animals. These data provide subsidies for the clinic and preservation of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Élida da Costa Monção
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Piaui, Teresina, Brazil
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8
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Nasoori A. Formation, structure, and function of extra-skeletal bones in mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:986-1019. [PMID: 32338826 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review describes the formation, structure, and function of bony compartments in antlers, horns, ossicones, osteoderm and the os penis/os clitoris (collectively referred to herein as AHOOO structures) in extant mammals. AHOOOs are extra-skeletal bones that originate from subcutaneous (dermal) tissues in a wide variety of mammals, and this review elaborates on the co-development of the bone and skin in these structures. During foetal stages, primordial cells for the bony compartments arise in subcutaneous tissues. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is assumed to play a key role in the differentiation of bone, cartilage, skin and other tissues in AHOOO structures. AHOOO ossification takes place after skeletal bone formation, and may depend on sexual maturity. Skin keratinization occurs in tandem with ossification and may be under the control of androgens. Both endochondral and intramembranous ossification participate in bony compartment formation. There is variation in gradients of density in different AHOOO structures. These gradients, which vary according to function and species, primarily reduce mechanical stress. Anchorage of AHOOOs to their surrounding tissues fortifies these structures and is accomplished by bone-bone fusion and Sharpey fibres. The presence of the integument is essential for the protection and function of the bony compartments. Three major functions can be attributed to AHOOOs: mechanical, visual, and thermoregulatory. This review provides the first extensive comparative description of the skeletal and integumentary systems of AHOOOs in a variety of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Nasoori
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 18, Nishi 9, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
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9
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Bashevkin SM, Christy JH, Morgan SG. Adaptive specialization and constraint in morphological defences of planktonic larvae. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Bashevkin
- Bodega Marine Laboratory and Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of California, Davis Bodega Bay CA USA
| | - John H. Christy
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Panamá República de Panamá
| | - Steven G. Morgan
- Bodega Marine Laboratory and Department of Environmental Science and Policy University of California, Davis Bodega Bay CA USA
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10
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Attias N, Oliveira-Santos LGR, Fagan WF, Mourão G. Effects of air temperature on habitat selection and activity patterns of two tropical imperfect homeotherms. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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11
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Magnus LZ, Machado RF, Cáceres N. The environment is a major driver of shape and size variation in widespread extant xenarthrans. Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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12
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Power ML, Watts SM, Murtough KL, Knight FM. Macronutrient composition of milk of captive nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus). J Mammal 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyy011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Power
- Nutrition Laboratory and Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
| | - S Michelle Watts
- Division of Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR, USA
| | - Katie L Murtough
- Nutrition Laboratory and Conservation Ecology Center, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, USA
- University of Maryland College Park, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Frank M Knight
- Division of Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Ozarks, Clarksville, AR, USA
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13
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Aboveground activity, reproduction, body temperature and weight of armadillos (Xenarthra, Chlamyphoridae) according to atmospheric conditions in the central Monte (Argentina). Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Costa FR, Clerici GP, Lobo-Ribeiro L, Rosa PS, Rocha-Barbosa O. Analysis of the spatio-temporal parameters of gaits in Dasypus novemcinctus
(Xenarthra: Dasypodidae). ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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15
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Actis EA, Mosconi S, Jahn GA, Superina M. Reproductive implications of bone mineral density in an armadillo, the pichi (Zaedyus pichiy). J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Oliver JD, Jones KE, Hautier L, Loughry WJ, Pierce SE. Vertebral bending mechanics and xenarthrous morphology in the nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 219:2991-3002. [PMID: 27473436 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.142331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The vertebral column has evolved to accommodate the broad range of locomotor pressures found across vertebrate lineages. Xenarthran (armadillos, sloths and anteaters) vertebral columns are characterized by xenarthrous articulations, novel intervertebral articulations located in the posterior trunk that are hypothesized to stiffen the vertebral column to facilitate digging. To determine the degree to which xenarthrous articulations impact vertebral movement, we passively measured compliance and range of motion during ventroflexion, dorsiflexion and lateral bending across the thoracolumbar region of the nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus Patterns of bending were compared with changes in vertebral morphology along the column to determine which morphological features best predict intervertebral joint mechanics. We found that compliance was lower in post-diaphragmatic, xenarthrous vertebrae relative to pre-xenarthrous vertebrae in both sagittal and lateral planes of bending. However, we also found that range of motion was higher in this region. These changes in mechanics are correlated with the transition from pre-xenarthrous to xenarthrous vertebrae, as well as with the transition from thoracic to lumbar vertebrae. Our results thus substantiate the hypothesis that xenarthrous articulations stiffen the vertebral column. Additionally, our data suggest that xenarthrous articulations, and their associated enlarged metapophyses, also act to increase the range of motion of the post-diaphragmatic region. We propose that xenarthrous articulations perform the dual role of stiffening the vertebral column and increasing mobility, resulting in passively stable vertebrae that are capable of substantial bending under appropriate loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian D Oliver
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Katrina E Jones
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lionel Hautier
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - W J Loughry
- Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698-0015, USA
| | - Stephanie E Pierce
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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17
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18
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Broeckhoven C, Diedericks G, Mouton PLFN. What doesn't kill you might make you stronger: functional basis for variation in body armour. J Anim Ecol 2015; 84:1213-21. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.12414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Broeckhoven
- Department of Botany & Zoology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland Stellenbosch 7602 South Africa
| | - Genevieve Diedericks
- Department of Botany & Zoology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland Stellenbosch 7602 South Africa
| | - P. le Fras N. Mouton
- Department of Botany & Zoology; Stellenbosch University; Private Bag X1 Matieland Stellenbosch 7602 South Africa
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Management of a carapace fracture in a six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2014; 45:712-4. [PMID: 25314850 DOI: 10.1638/2013-0283r2.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An adult female free-ranging six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) was presented with an inverted L-shaped fracture of the left pectoral carapace. The fracture was stabilized with the use of three simple interrupted interfragmentary sutures of 2-0 nylon. After 7 days, wound dehiscence occurred, so sutures were replaced and the wound treated topically with castor bean oil cream. Healing of the fracture was observed after 14 days of this treatment.
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21
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Loughry WJ, Perez-Heydrich C, McDonough CM, Oli MK. Population ecology of the nine-banded armadillo in Florida. J Mammal 2013. [DOI: 10.1644/12-mamm-a-198.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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