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Le Verger K. Xenarthrans of the collection of Santiago Roth from the Pampean Region of Argentina (Pleistocene), in Zurich, Switzerland. SWISS JOURNAL OF PALAEONTOLOGY 2023; 142:3. [PMID: 37009302 PMCID: PMC10049960 DOI: 10.1186/s13358-023-00265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The present work concerns xenarthrans from the collection of Santiago (Kaspar Jakob) Roth (1850-1924) housed at the Palaeontological Institute and Museum of the University of Zurich, one of the most important collections of Pleistocene mammals from Argentina in Europe. Roth was a paleontologist originally from Switzerland who prospected and collected a large amount of Pleistocene megafauna of the Pampean Region of Argentina. The xenarthrans are the main representatives of this collection in Zurich, with 150 specimens. Since 1920, this material has not been revised and is under studied. The present investigation corresponds to a taxonomic revision resulting in 114 reassignments, leading to document xenarthran diversity and discuss their paleoecologies. The high diversity reflects the paleoecology of the Pampean Region during the Pleistocene, with the various abiotic events that impacted the paleoenvironment of this region. Within the Cingulata, the Pampean Region fauna was probably dominated by glyptodonts with a high representation of Glyptodontinae and Neosclerocalyptinae while within the sloths the highest diversity and abundance is found in the Mylodontinae and Scelidotheriinae. These four clades represent both species with high ecological tolerance (e.g., Glyptodon munizi; Catonyx tarijensis) and ecologically highly specialized species (e.g., Neosclerocalyptus paskoensis; Scelidotherium leptocephalum). The presence of such ecological diversity underlines the status of the Pampean Region as a major interest for paleoecological and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13358-023-00265-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Le Verger
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl-Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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Feijó A, Brandão MV. Taxonomy as the first step towards conservation: an appraisal on the taxonomy of medium- and large-sized Neotropical mammals in the 21st century. ZOOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/s1984-4689.v39.e22007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Le Verger K, González Ruiz LR, Billet G. Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic contribution of intracranial osseous canals and cavities in armadillos and glyptodonts (Xenarthra, Cingulata). J Anat 2021; 239:1473-1502. [PMID: 34275130 PMCID: PMC8602025 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13512] [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: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary history of the Cingulata, as for many groups, remains a highly debated topic to this day, particularly for one of their most emblematic representatives: the glyptodonts. There is no consensus among morphological and molecular phylogenies regarding their position within Cingulata. As demonstrated by recent works, the study of the internal anatomy constitutes a promising path for enriching morphological matrices for the phylogenetic study of armadillos. However, internal cranial anatomy remains understudied in the Cingulata. Here we explored and compared the anatomy of intracranial osseous canals and cavities in a diverse sample of extant and extinct cingulates, including the earliest well-preserved glyptodont crania. The virtual 3D reconstruction (using X-ray microtomography) of selected canals, that is, the nasolacrimal canal, the palatine canal, the sphenopalatine canal, the canal for the frontal diploic vein, the transverse canal, the orbitotemporal canal, the canal for the capsuloparietal emissary vein and the posttemporal canal, and alveolar cavities related to cranial vascularization, innervation or tooth insertion allowed us to compare the locations, trajectories, and shape of these structures and to discuss their potential interest for cingulate systematics. We tentatively reconstructed evolutionary scenarios for eight selected traits related to these structures in which glyptodonts often showed a close resemblance to pampatheres, to the genus Proeutatus, and/or to chlamyphorines. This latter pattern was partly congruent with recent molecular hypotheses, but more research is needed on these resemblances and on the potential effects of development and allometry on the observed variations. Overall, these comparisons have enabled us to highlight new anatomical variation that may be of great interest to further explore the evolutionary history of cingulates and the origins of glyptodonts on a morphological basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Le Verger
- Museum national d’Histoire naturelleCentre de Recherche en Paléontologie – ParisUMR 7207 CR2P MNHN/CNRS/UPMCSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
| | - Laureano R. González Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Evolución y Biodiversidad (LIEB‐FCNyCS sede EsquelUNPSJB) y Centro de Investigaciones Esquel de Montaña y Estepa Patagónica (CIEMEP), CONICETUniversidad Nacional de La Patagonia San Juan Bosco (UNPSJB)ChubutArgentina
| | - Guillaume Billet
- Museum national d’Histoire naturelleCentre de Recherche en Paléontologie – ParisUMR 7207 CR2P MNHN/CNRS/UPMCSorbonne UniversitésParisFrance
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Fromme L, Yogui DR, Alves MH, Desbiez AL, Langeheine M, Quagliatto A, Siebert U, Brehm R. Morphology of the genital organs of male and female giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). PeerJ 2021; 9:e11945. [PMID: 34447632 PMCID: PMC8364315 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The giant anteater belongs to the supraorder Xenarthra which occupies a systematically isolated position among placental mammals. The species is categorized as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and understanding its reproductive characteristics is critical for future conservation efforts. METHODS Gross and microscopic anatomy of the genital organs of 23 male and 21 female adult and young roadkill giant anteaters in Brazil were studied. RESULTS Male giant anteaters presented a short conical penis, intraabdominal testes, and prostate, vesicular and bulbourethral glands. A tubular remnant of the partially fused Müllerian ducts extended from the seminal colliculus through the prostate gland, continued cranially in the genital fold, bifurcated, and attached with one elongation each to the left and right epididymal corpus. The structure presented a total length of up to 10 cm and contained a yellowish liquid in its lumen. Histologically, the caudal section of this structure resembled the female vagina, the middle portion corresponded to the uterus, and the extensions showed characteristics of uterine tubes. In adult female giant anteaters, ovoid ovaries with occasional seminiferous cord-like structures were observed. The animals possessed a simple uterus, which was directly continuous with the vaginal canal. The caudal portion of the vagina had two lumina, separated by a longitudinal septum and opening into two apertures into the vaginal vestibule, cranial to the urethral opening. In the urethral and the lateral vestibular wall, glandular structures with characteristics of male prostate and bulbourethral glands, respectively, were found. The vestibule opened through a vertical vulvar cleft to the exterior. A pair of well-differentiated Wolffian ducts with a central lumen originated ventrally at the vaginal opening into the vestibule and passed in a cranial direction through the ventral vaginal and uterine wall. Each duct extended highly coiled along the ipsilateral uterine tube until the lateral pole of the ovaries where it merged with the rete ovarii. DISCUSSION The reproductive morphology of giant anteaters reveals characteristics shared with other Xenarthrans: intraabdominal testes, a simple uterus, and a double caudal vagina. The persistence of well-differentiated genital ducts of the opposite sex in both males and females, however, singles them out among other species. These structures are the results of an aberration during fetal sexual differentiation and possess secretory functions. The possibility of a pathological degeneration of these organs should be considered in reproductive medicine of the species. CONCLUSION Knowledge of the unique reproductive characteristics of the giant anteater is essential for future reproductive management of the species. Additionally, further research on the peculiarities of the persisting genital duct structures might help to understand sexual differentiation in placental mammals in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilja Fromme
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Débora R. Yogui
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Nashville Zoo, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Mario Henrique Alves
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Fundación Zoológica de Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Arnaud L.J. Desbiez
- Project Anteaters and Highways, Instituto de Conservação de Animais Silvestres (ICAS), Campo Grande, Brazil
- Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Pesquisas Ecológicas (IPÊ), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - André Quagliatto
- Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Animais Silvestres (LAPAS), Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute for Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Le Verger K, Hautier L, Bardin J, Gerber S, Delsuc F, Billet G. Ontogenetic and static allometry in the skull and cranial units of nine-banded armadillos (Cingulata: Dasypodidae: Dasypus novemcinctus). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
A large part of extant and past mammalian morphological diversity is related to variation in size through allometric effects. Previous studies suggested that craniofacial allometry is the dominant pattern underlying mammalian skull shape variation, but cranial allometries were rarely characterized within cranial units such as individual bones. Here, we used 3D geometric morphometric methods to study allometric patterns of the whole skull (global) and of cranial units (local) in a postnatal developmental series of nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus ssp.). Analyses were conducted at the ontogenetic and static levels, and for successive developmental stages. Our results support craniofacial allometry as the global pattern along with more local allometric trends, such as the relative posterior elongation of the infraorbital canal, the tooth row reduction on the maxillary, and the marked development of nuchal crests on the supraoccipital with increasing skull size. Our study also reports allometric proportions of shape variation varying substantially among cranial units and across ontogenetic stages. The multi-scale approach advocated here allowed unveiling previously unnoticed allometric variations, indicating an untapped complexity of cranial allometric patterns to further explain mammalian morphological evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Le Verger
- Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie – Paris, UMR 7207 CR2P MNHN/CNRS/UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Lionel Hautier
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, Université de Montpellier, UMR 5554 ISEM CNRS/IRD/EPHE, Montpellier cedex, France
- Natural History Museum of London, Department of Life Sciences, Mammal Section, London, UK
| | - Jérémie Bardin
- Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie – Paris, UMR 7207 CR2P MNHN/CNRS/UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Gerber
- Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Institut de Systématique, Évolution, Biodiversité, UMR 7205 ISYEB MNHN/CNRS/UPMC/EPHE, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, Université de Montpellier, UMR 5554 ISEM CNRS/IRD/EPHE, Montpellier cedex, France
| | - Guillaume Billet
- Museum national d’Histoire naturelle, Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie – Paris, UMR 7207 CR2P MNHN/CNRS/UPMC, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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Attias N, Gurarie E, Fagan WF, Mourão G. Ecology and social biology of the southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus; Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae). J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Basic knowledge of species biology and ecology is essential for the assessment of species conservation status and planning for efficient conservation strategies; however, this information is not always readily available. Here we use movement behavior to understand the ecology and social biology of the poorly known southern three-banded armadillo (Tolypeutes matacus). We used VHF and GPS telemetry to monitor 26 individuals from two sites in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. We characterized armadillo activity patterns, evaluated the relationship between sex and body mass with home range size and mean daily distance traveled, and examined home and core range overlap. Three-banded armadillos were active on average for 5.5 ± 2.8 h/day, with most of their activity concentrated in the first half of the night. Adult males were heavier and had larger home ranges than adult females. Home range size scaled positively with body mass for males, but not for females. Core ranges for females overlapped little (< 1%) regardless of age, but home ranges for males overlapped both with other males (12%) and females (18%). Our data suggest that three-banded armadillos are mainly a nocturnal species. Home range and spacing patterns point to a generally asocial behavior and a polygynous or promiscuous mating system. We hope that the data generated as a result of this project will contribute to this species’ conservation in Brazil and elsewhere by guiding future management and research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Attias
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
- Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
| | - E Gurarie
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - W F Fagan
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - G Mourão
- Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil
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Campo DH, Caraballo DA, Cassini GH, Lucero SO, Teta P. Integrative taxonomy of extant maras supports the recognition of the genera Pediolagus and Dolichotis within the Dolichotinae (Rodentia, Caviidae). J Mammal 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyaa038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The subfamily Dolichotinae (Rodentia, Caviidae) includes two living species (Dolichotis patagonum and D. salinicola) of cursorial, long-legged rodents that inhabit semiarid thorn scrubs and shrublands in southern South America. Some authors consider that the morphological differences between D. patagonum and D. salinicola warrant circumscription of the latter in its own genus, Pediolagus. Based on a phylogeny and divergence times grounded on molecular data, as well as a qualitative and quantitative assessment of morphological differences, the distinction between Dolichotis and Pediolagus is equal to or greater than differences seen for other intergeneric comparisons within Cavioidea. Based on these results, we argue that the taxonomic designations of Dolichotis and Pediolagus should be retained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise H Campo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego A Caraballo
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, C1428EHA Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermo H Cassini
- División Mastozoología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia,” Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y Av. Constitución s/n, Luján, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas – CONICET, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sergio O Lucero
- División Mastozoología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia,” Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas – CONICET, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo Teta
- División Mastozoología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia,” Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas – CONICET, Godoy Cruz, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Casali DDM, Dos Santos Júnior JE, Miranda FR, Santos FR, Perini FA. Total-evidence phylogeny and divergence times of Vermilingua (Mammalia: Pilosa). SYST BIODIVERS 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2020.1729894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel de melo Casali
- Laboratório de Evolução de Mamíferos, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - José EustáQuio Dos Santos Júnior
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Flávia Regina Miranda
- Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, R. Coronel Pessoa, 183, Ilhéus, Bahia, 45654-971, Cx. Postal 707, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Rodrigues Santos
- Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Genética, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Fernando Araújo Perini
- Laboratório de Evolução de Mamíferos, Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Brazil
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9
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Rodrigues TF, Mantellatto AMB, Superina M, Chiarello AG. Ecosystem services provided by armadillos. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2020; 95:1-21. [PMID: 31448491 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Awareness of the natural ecological processes provided by organisms that benefit human well-being has significantly progressed towards the goal of making conservation a mainstream value. Identifying different services and the species that provide them is a vital first step for the management and maintenance of these so-called ecosystem services. Herein, we specifically address the armadillos, which play key functional roles in terrestrial ecosystems, including as ecosystem engineers, predators, and vectors of invertebrates and nutrients, although these roles have often been overlooked. Armadillos can control pests, disperse seeds, and be effective sentinels of potential disease outbreaks or bioindicators of environmental contaminants. They also supply important material (meat, medicines) and non-material (learning, inspiration) contributions all over the Americas. We identify key gaps in the understanding of ecosystem services provided by armadillos and areas for future research required to clarify their functional role in terrestrial ecosystems and the services they supply. Such information will produce powerful arguments for armadillo conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago F Rodrigues
- Applied Ecology Program, Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture, University of São Paulo, Piracicaba, 13418-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Aline M B Mantellatto
- Universidade Federal do Sul da Bahia, Campus Sosígenes Costa, Porto Seguro, 45810-000, BA, Brazil
| | - Mariella Superina
- Laboratorio de Medicina y Endocrinología de la Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU - CCT CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, 5500, Argentina
| | - Adriano G Chiarello
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14040-901, SP, Brazil
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White S, Soligo C, Pope M, Hillson S. Taxonomic variation in the supraorbital region of catarrhine primates. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2019; 171:198-218. [PMID: 31762014 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to test the taxonomic utility of the catarrhine supraorbital region using 3D geometric morphometrics, with the aim of establishing its potential use in elucidating the position of more debated hominin groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS 230 3D coordinates were used to record the supraorbital morphology of two datasets: one containing 460 non-hominin catarrhine primates from species and subspecies of Gorilla, Pan, Papio, and Macaca; and the other containing 55 Pleistocene hominins from Homo, Australopithecus, and Paranthropus. Principal component analyses in tangent, form, and allometry-free shape space were used to assess differentiation of taxa, with biological distinctiveness of taxa being established using step-wise discriminant analysis with subsampling. RESULTS Results indicated that the recorded supraorbital morphology could be used to separate non-hominin catarrhine primate genera, species, and subspecies, although accuracy was found to decrease with decreasing Linnaean rank. In addition, analyses in tangent space were found to produce the highest accuracy when classifying primates of known taxonomy. Biological distinctiveness of the middle and later Homo species was comparable to or higher than that of the non-hominin primates, and relatively lower for the earlier groups of Homo. DISCUSSION This study indicates that the supraorbital region preserves taxonomic information that can be used to delineate between closely related groups, both within hominins and wider catarrhine primates. Therefore, this region may be used to provide insight when assessing the taxonomic affiliation of disputed hominin specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanna White
- Department of Anthropology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Matt Pope
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon Hillson
- Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Amaya JP, Zufiaurre E, Areta JI, Abba AM. The weeping vocalization of the screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus), a distress call. J Mammal 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyz108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Distress calls are signals given by individuals experiencing physical stress such as handling by a predator. These calls have been recorded in numerous phylogenetically distant vertebrate species, and share certain acoustic features, such as high amplitude, broadband, and rich harmonic structure. Screaming hairy armadillos (Chaetophractus vellerosus) sometimes give a high-amplitude weeping call when captured by predators or disturbed by humans. We provide an acoustic characterization of this call using recordings of hand-held wild individuals, and test whether it constitutes a distress signal. The weeping call was a harsh, loud, broadband, long sound, composed of five note types: crying, inhaled, inhaled sobbing, exhaled sobbing, and grunt notes. Crying notes were the most common, distinctive, and loudest sounds. The proportion of armadillos that called when disturbed was between nearly five to seven times higher than when treated with care. Likewise, 223 hunters reported armadillos consistently weeping when trapped by dogs, and no weeping was heard in natural undisturbed conditions. Our data support a distress signal role for the weeping call.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Amaya
- Centro Regional de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia Tecnológica de La Rioja (CRILAR-CONICET), Anillaco, La Rioja, Argentina
- IBICOPA-DACEFYN (Departamento académico de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales) UNLaR
| | - Emmanuel Zufiaurre
- CONICET–Universidad de Buenos Aires. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas (GEBA), Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan I Areta
- Instituto de Bio y Geociencias del Noroeste Argentino (IBIGEO-CONICET), Rosario de Lerma, Salta, Argentina
| | - Agustín M Abba
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (UNLP), CONICET, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Aya-Cuero C, Trujillo F, Mosquera-Guerra F, Chacón-Pacheco J, Caicedo D, Franco-León N, Superina M. Distribution of armadillos in Colombia, with an analysis of ecoregions and protected areas inhabited. MAMMAL RES 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13364-019-00435-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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13
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Helminth fauna of the screaming hairy armadillo Chaetophractus vellerosus from Argentina: the consequence of host isolation on parasite diversity. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01605. [PMID: 31193013 PMCID: PMC6513779 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaetophractus vellerosus in Argentina has a north-west and central distribution. An isolated population is located in the east of the Buenos Aires province, separated from the population of central Argentina by about 500 km. We compared the component community of C. vellerosus between the main population in central Argentina and the isolated population, evaluating the impact of the host isolation on parasite diversity. Sixteen species of helminths were found, namely Ancylostoma caninum, Aspidodera fasciata, Aspidodera scoleciformis, Mazzia bialata, Pterygodermatites chaetophracti, Pterygodermatites argentinensis, Strongyloides sp., Trichohelix tuberculata, Cruzia tentaculata, Cyclobulura superinae, Delicata ransomi, Macielia jorgei, Moennigia celinae, Orihelia anticlava (Nematoda), Mathevotaenia sp. (Cestoda) and Travassosia sp. (Acanthocephala). Only the first 8 species, however, were present in both populations. Prevalences and intensities of the shared species were similar. The parasite community of the isolated population, however, was less rich and diverse than that of the main population. The poor parasite community in the isolated population could have several causes: the founding population was composed of few specimens that were only infected with the most prevalent parasite species and intermediate hosts for parasites with indirect cycles were absent. In addition, coexistence with another Chlamyphoridae would have contributed to maintaining a group of species that are usual in armadillos along their distribution.
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Feijó A, Vilela JF, Cheng J, Schetino MAA, Coimbra RTF, Bonvicino CR, Santos FR, Patterson BD, Cordeiro-Estrela P. Phylogeny and molecular species delimitation of long-nosed armadillos (Dasypus: Cingulata) supports morphology-based taxonomy. Zool J Linn Soc 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zly091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe armadillo genus Dasypus is the most species-rich and widely distributed genus of the order Cingulata and it has a dynamic taxonomic history. Recent morphology-based studies have proposed new taxonomic arrangements, but these were not yet assessed with molecular data. The two comprehensive phylogenetic hypotheses available for the genus are conflicting and were each based on a subset of taxa, hampering a proper evaluation of species boundaries. Using a multilocus molecular dataset, based on the broadest geographic sampling of Dasypus to date, we inferred the phylogenetic relationships of all species of the genus, including the recently reinstated D. beniensis and D. pastasae. We tested recent taxonomic hypotheses using several species-delimitation approaches. Our phylogeny recovered three main lineages of long-nosed armadillos that we treat as subgenera (Hyperoambon, Muletia and Dasypus) and identified the majority of its diversification as having occurred during the Pliocene. Molecular species delimitation supported morphological evidence in assigning D. hybridus as a subspecies of D. septemcinctus and confirming the split of the D. kappleri complex into three species. Our results strongly support the recognition of Guiana Shield populations formerly assigned to D. novemcinctus as a distinct species. The phylogenetic positions of D. mazzai and D. sabanicola remain uncertain. Further investigation using faster-evolving genes and additional samples may help to clarify the relationships of these young species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Feijó
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
- Laboratório de Mamíferos, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Júlio F Vilela
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
- Coordenação de Identificação e Planejamento de Ações para Conservação – COPAN, Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade – ICMBio, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- Campus Amilcar Ferreira Sobral, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Floriano, PI, Brazil
| | - Jilong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
| | - Marco Antônio A Schetino
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphael T F Coimbra
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Cibele R Bonvicino
- Programa de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Reservatórios Silvestres, Pavilhão Lauro Travassos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabrício R Santos
- Laboratório de Biodiversidade e Evolução Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruce D Patterson
- Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pedro Cordeiro-Estrela
- Laboratório de Mamíferos, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia, Centro de Ciências Exatas e da Natureza, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
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Desbiez ALJ, Massocato GF, Kluyber D, Santos RCF. Unraveling the cryptic life of the southern naked-tailed armadillo, Cabassous unicinctus squamicaudis (Lund, 1845), in a Neotropical wetland: Home range, activity pattern, burrow use and reproductive behaviour. Mamm Biol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mambio.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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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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17
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Gaudin TJ, Lyon LM. Cranial osteology of the pampathere Holmesina floridanus (Xenarthra: Cingulata; Blancan NALMA), including a description of an isolated petrosal bone. PeerJ 2017; 5:e4022. [PMID: 29250462 PMCID: PMC5729832 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study entails descriptions of several well-preserved skulls from the pampathere species Holmesina floridanus, recovered from Pliocene localities in central Florida and housed in the collections of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Bone by bone descriptions have allowed detailed reconstructions of cranial morphology. Cranial foramina are described and illustrated in detail, and their contents inferred. The first ever description of an isolated pampathere petrosal is also included. Cranial osteology of Holmesina floridanus is compared to that of Pleistocene species of Holmesina from both North and South America (Holmesina septentrionalis, Holmesina occidentalis), as well as to the other well-known pampathere genera, to closely related taxa among glyptodonts (Propalaehoplophorus), and to extinct and extant armadillos (Proeutatus, Euphractus). This study identifies a suite of apomorphic cranial features that serve to diagnose a putative, progressive series of more inclusive monophyletic groups, including the species Holmesina floridanus, the genus Holmesina, pampatheres, pampatheres plus glyptodonts, and a clade formed by pampatheres, glyptodonts, and Proeutatus. The study highlights the need for further anatomical investigations of pampathere cranial anatomy, especially those using modern scanning technology, and for analyses of pampathere phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Gaudin
- Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, University of Tennessee—Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, USA
| | - Lauren M. Lyon
- Department of Geosciences and Don Sundquist Center of Excellence in Paleontology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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Prevalence and intensity of fleas parasitizing an isolated population of screaming hairy armadillo in Buenos Aires province, Argentina: host-related factors and temporal dynamics. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2895-2900. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5595-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Aya-Cuero C, Rodríguez-Bolaños A, Superina M. Population density, activity patterns, and ecological importance of giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) in Colombia. J Mammal 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyx006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Genetic structuring in a relictual population of screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) in Argentina revealed by a set of novel microsatellite loci. Genetica 2016; 144:469-76. [PMID: 27406582 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-016-9915-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) is a mammal species containing disjunct and isolated populations. In order to assess the effect of habitat fragmentation and geographic isolation, we developed seven new microsatellite loci isolated from low-coverage genome shotgun sequencing data for this species. Among these loci, six microsatellites were found to be polymorphic with 8-26 alleles per locus detected across 69 samples analyzed from a relictual population of the species located in the northeast of the Buenos Aires Province (Argentina). Mean allelic richness and polymorphic information content were 15 and 0.75, with observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.40 to 0.67 and 0.58 to 0.90, respectively. All loci showed departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The analysis of population structure in this relictual population revealed three groups of individuals that are genetically differentiated. These newly developed microsatellites will constitute a very useful tool for the estimation of genetic diversity and structure, population dynamics, social structure, parentage and mating system in this little-studied armadillo species. Such genetic data will be particularly helpful for the development of conservation strategies for this isolated population and also for the endangered Bolivian populations previously recognized as a distinct species (Chaetophractus nationi).
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Cortés Duarte A, Trujillo F, Superina M. Behavioral responses of three armadillo species (Mammalia: Xenarthra) to an environmental enrichment program in Villavicencio, Colombia. Zoo Biol 2016; 35:304-12. [DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cortés Duarte
- Alianza Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales (ODL), Cormacarena, Corporinoquia, Corpometa, Bioparque los Ocarros; Fundación Omacha; Colombia
- Programa de Pregrado Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Bogotá Colombia
- Fundación Omacha; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Fernando Trujillo
- Alianza Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales (ODL), Cormacarena, Corporinoquia, Corpometa, Bioparque los Ocarros; Fundación Omacha; Colombia
- Fundación Omacha; Bogotá Colombia
| | - Mariella Superina
- Alianza Oleoducto de los Llanos Orientales (ODL), Cormacarena, Corporinoquia, Corpometa, Bioparque los Ocarros; Fundación Omacha; Colombia
- Fundación Omacha; Bogotá Colombia
- Laboratorio de Medicina y Endocrinología de la Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU-CCT CONICET Mendoza; Mendoza Argentina
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Gibb GC, Condamine FL, Kuch M, Enk J, Moraes-Barros N, Superina M, Poinar HN, Delsuc F. Shotgun Mitogenomics Provides a Reference Phylogenetic Framework and Timescale for Living Xenarthrans. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 33:621-42. [PMID: 26556496 PMCID: PMC4760074 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placental mammals. Despite their phylogenetic distinctiveness in mammals, a reference phylogeny is still lacking for the 31 described species. Here we used Illumina shotgun sequencing to assemble 33 new complete mitochondrial genomes, establishing Xenarthra as the first major placental clade to be fully sequenced at the species level for mitogenomes. The resulting data set allowed the reconstruction of a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale that are consistent with previous studies conducted at the genus level using nuclear genes. Incorporating the full species diversity of extant xenarthrans points to a number of inconsistencies in xenarthran systematics and species definition. We propose to split armadillos into two distinct families Dasypodidae (dasypodines) and Chlamyphoridae (euphractines, chlamyphorines, and tolypeutines) to better reflect their ancient divergence, estimated around 42 Ma. Species delimitation within long-nosed armadillos (genus Dasypus) appeared more complex than anticipated, with the discovery of a divergent lineage in French Guiana. Diversification analyses showed Xenarthra to be an ancient clade with a constant diversification rate through time with a species turnover driven by high but constant extinction. We also detected a significant negative correlation between speciation rate and past temperature fluctuations with an increase in speciation rate corresponding to the general cooling observed during the last 15 My. Biogeographic reconstructions identified the tropical rainforest biome of Amazonia and the Guiana Shield as the cradle of xenarthran evolutionary history with subsequent dispersions into more open and dry habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian C Gibb
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France Ecology Group, Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Fabien L Condamine
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AL, Canada
| | - Melanie Kuch
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology and Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob Enk
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology and Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Nadia Moraes-Barros
- Cibio/Inbio, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Universidade do Porto, Vairão, Portugal Laboratório de Biologia Evolutiva e Conservação de Vertebrados (Labec), Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariella Superina
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología de la Fauna Silvestre, IMBECU, CCT CONICET Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Hendrik N Poinar
- McMaster Ancient DNA Centre, Department of Anthropology and Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Frédéric Delsuc
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution, UMR 5554, CNRS, IRD, EPHE, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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Moraes-Barros N, Arteaga MC. Genetic diversity in Xenarthra and its relevance to patterns of neotropical biodiversity. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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25
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Loughry WJ, Superina M, McDonough CM, Abba AM. Research on armadillos: a review and prospectus. J Mammal 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/jmammal/gyv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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