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Bhat MS, Cullen TM. Growth and life history of freshwater chelydrid turtles (Testudines: Cryptodira): A bone histological approach. J Anat 2024. [PMID: 39169639 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study examines the growth pattern and lifestyle habits of the freshwater snapping turtles Chelydra and Macrochelys based on limb bone histology. Femora, humeri, and tibiae of 25 individuals selected from a range of ontogenetic stages were assessed to determine inter-element and intraskeletal histological variation. Osteohistological assessment of multiple elements is consistent with overall moderate growth rates as revealed by the dominance of parallel-fibered bone. However, the growth was cyclical as shown by deposition of multiple lines of arrested growths in the compacta. It appears that the bone tissue of C. serpentina is more variable through ontogeny with intermittent higher growth rates. M. temminckii appears to grow more slowly than C. serpentina possessing compact and thick cortices in accordance with their larger size. Overall, vascularization decreases through ontogeny with humeri and femora being well-vascularized in both species. Contrarily, epipodials are poorly vascularized, though simple longitudinal and radial canals are present, suggesting differences in growth patterns when compared with associated diaphyseal sections. The tibiae were found to be the least remodeled of the limb bones and therefore better suited for skeletochronology for snapping turtles. Intra-elementally, femora and humeri preserved higher cortical vascularity ventrally, suggestive of faster relative growth. We hypothesize that the differential growth pattern in limb bones of snapping turtles may relate to differential functional constraints, where forelimbs are operational in swimming while the hindlimbs provide stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shafi Bhat
- Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Thomas M Cullen
- Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Auburn University Museum of Natural History, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Department of Earth Sciences, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Babosová R, Zedda M, Belica A, Golej M, Chovancová G, Kalaš M, Vondráková M. The enrichment of knowledge about the microstructure of brown bear compact bone tissue. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2022.2068682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. Babosová
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - M. Zedda
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - A. Belica
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
| | - M. Golej
- Earth Science Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - G. Chovancová
- TANAP State Forests, Vysoké Tatry – Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia
| | - M. Kalaš
- Administration of the Malá Fatra National Park, Varín, Slovakia
| | - M. Vondráková
- Department of Zoology and Anthropology, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Nitra, Slovakia
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Bhat MS, Shelton CD, Chinsamy A. Inter-element variation in the bone histology of Anteosaurus (Dinocephalia, Anteosauridae) from the Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone of the Karoo Basin of South Africa. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12082. [PMID: 34589298 PMCID: PMC8434808 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite its abundance in the Permian fossil record of South Africa, little is known about the life history of Anteosaurus. Here we examine the bone microstructure of multiple skeletal elements of Anteosaurus from the Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone of the Karoo Basin. The bone histology of Anteosaurus magnificus reveals that the cortex is composed of highly vascularized, uninterrupted fibrolamellar bone tissue surrounding the inner spongy medullary region. However, the histology of two ribs and a previously described femur of another Anteosaurus taxon revealed an interrupted growth pattern with lines of arrested growth and peripheral rest lines occurring in the compacta, indicating periodic pauses in growth possibly linked to the slowing down of growth during maturity. Given that the fibula of the same individual has well-vascularised fibrolamellar bone tissue without any growth marks in the cortex; this suggests variation in skeletal growth. Based on our histological results, three growth dynamic stages are deduced for the genus Anteosaurus: (i) the earliest growth stage is represented by the predominance of highly vascularized, uninterrupted fibrolamellar bone tissue in the inner cortex, which suggests rapid periosteal bone deposition during early ontogeny; (ii) the next stage of growth shows periodic interruptions in the bone deposition as indicated by the deposition of lines of arrested growth; (iii) the third stage shows the development of lamellar bone tissue with rest lines in the peripheral part of the cortex suggesting a slowing down of growth prior to death. Most of the skeletal elements are characterized by thick bone walls, extensive secondary reconstruction and the complete infilling of the medullary cavity. However, the radius and a previously studied femur have open medullary cavities with struts of bony trabeculae. Based on histologic structures and comparisons with extant taxa, it is likely that Anteosaurus may have been more terrestrial as its osteology point towards terrestriality, but it may have occasionally inhabited ephemeral pools like modern semi-aquatic Hippopotamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shafi Bhat
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Christen D Shelton
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Natural History Department, New Jersey State Museum, Trenton, New Jersey, United States.,Biology/Mathematics & Physical Science Departments, Rogers State University, Claremore, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Anusuya Chinsamy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Han F, Zhao Q, Liu J. Preliminary bone histological analysis of Lystrosaurus (Therapsida: Dicynodontia) from the Lower Triassic of North China, and its implication for lifestyle and environments after the end-Permian extinction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248681. [PMID: 33735263 PMCID: PMC7971864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lystrosaurus represents one of the most successful dicynodonts, a survivor of the end-Permian mass extinction that remained abundant in the Early Triassic, but many aspects of its paleobiology are still controversial. The bone histology of Lystrosaurus species from South Africa and India has provided important information on their growth strategy and lifestyle, but until recently no data was available on the bone histology of Lystrosaurus from China. Here, we report on the bone microstructure of seven Lystrosaurus individuals from the Lower Triassic of Xinjiang, providing the first such data for the Chinese Lystrosaurus species. Our samples indicate that the microstructure of Lystrosaurus limb bones from China is characterized by fibrolamellar bone tissue similar to those from South Africa and India. Three ontogenetic stages were identified: juvenile, early subadult, and late subadult based on lines of arrested growth (LAGs) and bone tissue changes. Bone histology supports a rapid growth strategy for Lystrosaurus during early ontogeny. Unlike Early Triassic Lystrosaurus from South Africa, lines of arrested growth are common in our specimens, suggesting that many individuals of Chinese Lystrosaurus had reached the subadult stage and were interrupted in growth. The differences in bone histology between Lystrosaurus from South Africa and China may indicate different environmental conditions in these two regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenglu Han
- School of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (FH); (JL)
| | - Qi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (FH); (JL)
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Teschner EM, Chakravorti S, Sengupta DP, Konietzko-Meier D. Climatic influence on the growth pattern of Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Late Triassic of India deduced from paleohistology. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9868. [PMID: 33194360 PMCID: PMC7485487 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metoposaurids are representatives of the extinct amphibian clade Temnospondyli, found on almost every continent exclusively in the Late Triassic deposits. Osteohistologically, it is one of the best-known temnospondyl groups, analyzed with a wide spectrum of methods, such as morphology, morphometry, bone histology or computed modelling. The least known member of Metoposauridae is Panthasaurus maleriensis from the Pranhita-Godavari basin in Central India, being geographically the most southern record of this family. For the first time the bone histology of this taxon was studied with a focus on the intraspecific variability of the histological framework and the relationship between the observed growth pattern and climatic and/or environmental conditions. The studied material includes thin-sections of five long bones, a rib, an ilium and an intercentrum belonging most likely to eight individuals ranging from different ontogenetic stages. All bones have a large medullary region with progressively increasing remodeling, surrounded by a lamellar-zonal tissue type. The primary cortex consists of parallel-fibered matrix showing various degrees of organization, less organized collagen fibers in the zones and higher organized in the annuli. Growth marks occur in the form of alternating zones and annuli in every bone except the ilium and the intercentrum. The vascularity becomes less dense towards the outermost cortex in all sampled limb bones. Towards the outermost cortex the zone thickness is decreasing, in contrast to the avascular annuli, that become thicker or are of the same thickness. The growth pattern of P. maleriensis is uniform and represents changes in ontogenetic development. Multiple resting lines are prominent in the outer annuli of the limb bones and the rib and they presumably indicate climatic and environmental influence on the growth pattern. Therefore, a prolonged phase of slowed-down growth occurred during the unfavorable phase, but a complete cessation of growth indicated by Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs) is not recorded in the studied samples. Based on the histological framework we conclude that the climate had an impact on the growth pattern. As we do not see any LAGs in the Indian metoposaurid, we assume that the local climate was relatively mild in India during the Late Triassic. A similar prolonged phase of slowed down growth without the occurrence of LAGs was observed in Metoposaurus krasiejowensis from the Late Triassic of Krasiejów (Poland). This is in contrast to Moroccan metoposaurid Dutuitosaurus ouazzoui from the Late Triassic of Argana Basin, where LAGs are regularly deposited throughout ontogeny indicating most likely harsher climatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta M Teschner
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland.,Section Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sanjukta Chakravorti
- Geological Studies Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dhurjati P Sengupta
- Geological Studies Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Dorota Konietzko-Meier
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland.,Section Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Bhat MS, Chinsamy A, Parkington J. Long bone histology of
Chersina angulata
: Interelement variation and life history data. J Morphol 2019; 280:1881-1899. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Shafi Bhat
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - Anusuya Chinsamy
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
| | - John Parkington
- Department of ArchaeologyUniversity of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa
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Gee BM, Parker WG, Marsh AD. Microanatomy and paleohistology of the intercentra of North American metoposaurids from the Upper Triassic of Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona, USA) with implications for the taxonomy and ontogeny of the group. PeerJ 2017; 5:e3183. [PMID: 28439462 PMCID: PMC5398283 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metoposaurids are temnospondyl amphibians that are commonly recovered from the Chinle Formation deposits of North America. Two species, Koskinonodon perfectus and Apachesaurus gregorii, are known from Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO), AZ. Small, elongate intercentra are the single diagnostic postcranial characteristic of the smaller A. gregorii. However, a poor understanding of the earliest life stages of Koskinonodon perfectus and other large metoposaurids makes it unclear whether the proportions of the intercentra are a diagnostic feature for species discrimination or whether they are influenced by ontogeny. Previous work on metoposaurid intercentra has shown that ontogenetic information can be extrapolated from histological analyses. Here, we perform an analysis of the microanatomy and the histology of metoposaurid intercentra from PEFO to determine their ontogenetic maturity and in turn whether elongate intercentra are a reliable taxonomic feature for distinguishing North American metoposaurids. Our findings suggest that the elongate intercentra are the result of ontogenetic variation within a single large-bodied metoposaurid taxon rather than interspecific variation between two metoposaurids of vastly different adult sizes. These findings have significant implications for the taxonomy of North American metoposaurids and subsequently for interpretations of the Chinle Basin paleoenvironment. Furthermore, this study provides the first histological characterization of North American metoposaurid intercentra, thereby improving the understanding of vertebral ontogeny within Metoposauridae and offering new insights into the ecology of large metoposaurids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan M Gee
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - William G Parker
- Division of Science and Resource Management, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ, USA
| | - Adam D Marsh
- Division of Science and Resource Management, Petrified Forest National Park, AZ, USA
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Gruntmejer K, Konietzko-Meier D, Bodzioch A. Cranial bone histology of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis (Amphibia, Temnospondyli) from the Late Triassic of Poland. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2685. [PMID: 27843719 PMCID: PMC5103832 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, 21 skull bones of Metoposaurus krasiejowensis from the Late Triassic of Poland were investigated histologically. Dermal bones show a diploë structure, with an ornamented external surface. The ridges consist of mostly well vascularized parallel-fibered bone; the valleys are built of an avascular layer of lamellar bone. The thick middle region consists of cancellous bone, with varying porosity. The thin and less vascularized internal cortex consists of parallel-fibered bone. The numerous Sharpey's fibers and ISF are present in all bones. The cyclicity of growth is manifested as an alternation of thick, avascular annuli and high vascularized zones as well as a sequence of resting lines. The detailed histological framework of dermal bones varies even within a single bone; this seems to be related to the local biomechanical loading of the particular part of the skull. The dynamic processes observed during the ornamentation creation indicate that the positions of the ridges and grooves change during growth and could be a specific adaptation to changing biomechanical conditions and stress distribution during bone development. In the supratemporal, the cementing lines show that the remodeling process could be involved in the creations of sculpture. The common occurrence of ISF suggests that metaplastic ossification plays an important role during cranial development. Endochondral bones preserved the numerous remains of calcified cartilage. This indicates that ossification follows a pattern known for stereospondyl intercentra, with relatively slow ossification of the trabecular part and late development of the periosteal cortex. The large accumulation of Sharpey's fibers in the occipital condyles indicates the presence of strong muscles and ligaments connecting the skull to the vertebral column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Gruntmejer
- Department of Biosystematics, University of Opole, Opole, Poland; European Centre of Palaeontology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland
| | - Dorota Konietzko-Meier
- Department of Biosystematics, University of Opole, Opole, Poland; European Centre of Palaeontology, University of Opole, Opole, Poland; Steinmann Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Adam Bodzioch
- Department of Biosystematics, University of Opole , Opole , Poland
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Lad SE, Daegling DJ, McGraw WS. Bone remodeling is reduced in high stress regions of the cercopithecoid mandible. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 161:426-435. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Lad
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of FloridaGainesville Florida32611
| | - David J. Daegling
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of FloridaGainesville Florida32611
| | - W. Scott McGraw
- Department of AnthropologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbus Ohio43210
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Canoville A, Chinsamy A. Bone Microstructure of the Stereospondyl Lydekkerina Huxleyi Reveals Adaptive Strategies to the Harsh Post Permian-Extinction Environment. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2015; 298:1237-54. [PMID: 25857487 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The small-bodied stereospondyl Lydekkerina huxleyi, dominated the amphibian fauna of the South African Lower Triassic. Even though the anatomy of this amphibian has been well described, its growth strategies and lifestyle habits have remained controversial. Previous studies attributed the relative uniformity in skull sizes to a predominance of subadult and adult specimens recovered in the fossil record. Anatomical and taphonomic data suggested that the relatively small body-size of this genus, as compared to its Permo-Triassic relatives, could be linked to a shortened, rapid developmental period as an adaptation to maintain successful breeding populations under harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, Lydekkerina's habitat has been hypothesized to be either aquatic or mainly terrestrial. The current study, utilizes bone microstructure to reassess previous hypotheses pertaining to the biology and ecology of Lydekkerina. Various skeletal elements of different-sized specimens are analyzed to understand its growth dynamics, intraskeletal variability, and lifestyle adaptations. Bone histology revealed that our sample comprises individuals at different ontogenetic stages i.e., juveniles to mature individuals. Our results show that these amphibians, despite exhibiting plasticity in growth, experienced an overall faster growth during early ontogeny (thereby attaining sexual maturity sooner), as compared to most other temnospondyls. The microanatomy of the long bones with their thick bone walls and distinctive medullary cavity suggests that Lydekkerina may have been amphibious with a tendency to be more terrestrial. Our study concludes that Lydekkerina employed a peculiar growth strategy and lifestyle adaptations, which enabled it to endure the harsh, dry conditions of the Early Triassic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Canoville
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, 7701, South Africa
| | - Anusuya Chinsamy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rhodes Gift, 7701, South Africa
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