1
|
Lowe A, Kolmann MA, Paig-Tran EWM. How to Survive a (Juvenile) Piranha Attack: An Integrative Approach to Evaluating Predator Performance. Integr Org Biol 2023; 5:obad032. [PMID: 37818205 PMCID: PMC10561132 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Figures Cory cat panel figureDrawing of bite force measuring equipment and indentation rig Pygocentrus nattereri jaw muscle morphology and skull anatomyBox plot grid of number of Pygocentrus nattereri bites before puncture along different body regions of Corydoras trilineatus during feeding trials resultsDrawing of color-coded Corydoras trilineatus with attack frequencies and average bites until puncture by Pygocentrus nattereriBox plot of average voluntary juvenile Pygocentrus nattereri bite forces to standard lengthPanel of linear ordinary least-squares regressions of Pygocentrus nattereri bite force to adductor mandibulae mass, standard length, and body massOrdinary least-squares regressions of voluntary bites to restrained bites of Pygocentrus nattereriPanel of indentation tests for intact and removed Corydoras trilineatus scutesPanel of indentation tests for Corydoras trilineatus body region. Synopsis There is an evolutionary arms race between predators and prey. In aquatic environments, predatory fishes often use sharp teeth, powerful bites, and/or streamlined bodies to help capture their prey quickly and efficiently. Conversely, prey are often equipped with antipredator adaptations including: scaly armor, sharp spines, and/or toxic secretions. This study focused on the predator-prey interactions between the armored threestripe cory catfish (Corydoras trilineatus) and juvenile red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri). Specifically, we investigated how resistant cory catfish armor is to a range of natural and theoretical piranha bite forces and how often this protection translated to survival from predator attacks by Corydoras. We measured the bite force and jaw functional morphology of P. nattereri, the puncture resistance of defensive scutes in C. trilineatus, and the in situ predatory interactions between the two. The adductor mandibulae muscle in juvenile P. nattereri is robust and delivers an average bite force of 1.03 N and maximum bite force of 9.71 N, yet its prey, C. trilineatus, survived 37% of confirmed bites without any damage. The C. trilineatus armor withstood an average of nine bites before puncture by P. nattereri. Predation was successful only when piranhas bit unarmored areas of the body, at the opercular opening and at the caudal peduncle. This study used an integrative approach to understand the outcomes of predator-prey interactions by evaluating the link between morphology and feeding behavior. We found that juvenile P. nattereri rarely used a maximal bite force and displayed a net predation success rate on par with other adult vertebrates. Conversely, C. trilineatus successfully avoided predation by orienting predator attacks toward their resilient, axial armor and behavioral strategies that reduced the predator's ability to bite in less armored regions of the body.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Lowe
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, 1 University Dr, Orange, CA 92866,USA
| | - M A Kolmann
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - E W M Paig-Tran
- Department of Biological Science (MH-282), California State University, Fullerton, 800 N State College Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92834-6850, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wolniewicz AS, Shen Y, Li Q, Sun Y, Qiao Y, Chen Y, Hu YW, Liu J. An armoured marine reptile from the Early Triassic of South China and its phylogenetic and evolutionary implications. eLife 2023; 12:e83163. [PMID: 37551884 PMCID: PMC10499374 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sauropterygia was a taxonomically and ecomorphologically diverse clade of Mesozoic marine reptiles spanning the Early Triassic to the Late Cretaceous. Sauropterygians are traditionally divided into two groups representing two markedly different body plans - the short-necked, durophagous Placodontia and the long-necked Eosauropterygia - whereas Saurosphargidae, a small clade of armoured marine reptiles, is generally considered as the sauropterygian sister-group. However, the early evolutionary history of sauropterygians and their phylogenetic relationships with other groups within Diapsida are still incompletely understood. Here, we report a new saurosphargid from the Early Triassic (Olenekian) of South China - Prosaurosphargis yingzishanensis gen. et sp. nov. - representing the earliest known occurrence of the clade. An updated phylogenetic analysis focussing on the interrelationships among diapsid reptiles recovers saurosphargids as nested within sauropterygians, forming a clade with eosauropterygians to the exclusion of placodonts. Furthermore, a clade comprising Eusaurosphargis and Palatodonta is recovered as the sauropterygian sister-group within Sauropterygomorpha tax. nov. The phylogenetic position of several Early and Middle Triassic sauropterygians of previously uncertain phylogenetic affinity, such as Atopodentatus, Hanosaurus, Majiashanosaurus, and Corosaurus, is also clarified, elucidating the early evolutionary assembly of the sauropterygian body plan. Finally, our phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of Testudines and Archosauromorpha within Archelosauria, a result strongly corroborated by molecular data, but only recently recovered in a phylogenetic analysis using a morphology-only dataset. Our study provides evidence for the rapid diversification of sauropterygians in the aftermath of the Permo-Triassic mass extinction event and emphasises the importance of broad taxonomic sampling in reconstructing phylogenetic relationships among extinct taxa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej S Wolniewicz
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
- Institute of Paleobiology, Polish Academy of SciencesWarsawPoland
| | - Yuefeng Shen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
- Section Paleontology, Institute of Geosciences, University of BonnBonnGermany
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Chengdu Center, China Geological Survey (Southwest China Innovation Center for Geosciences)ChengduChina
| | - Yu Qiao
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
| | - Yajie Chen
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
| | - Yi-Wei Hu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
| | - Jun Liu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of TechnologyHefeiChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pochat-Cottilloux Y, Martin JE, Amiot R, Cubo J, de Buffrénil V. A survey of osteoderm histology and ornamentation among Crocodylomorpha: A new proxy to infer lifestyle? J Morphol 2023; 284:e21542. [PMID: 36533737 PMCID: PMC10108047 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21542] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms of eight extant and extinct species of crocodylomorphs are studied histologically and morphologically. Most osteoderms display the typical "crocodilian" structure with a woven-fibered matrix surrounded by an upper and a lower parallel fibered matrix. The dorsal ornamentation of those specimens consists of a pit-and-ridge structure, with corresponding remodeling mechanisms. However, an osteoderm of Iberosuchus, studied here for the first time, differs in being nearly devoid of ornamentation; moreover, it shows strong bundles of straight Sharpey's fibers perpendicular to the surface in its lateral and dorsal walls, along with a rough plywood-like structure in its basal plate. This suggests that this osteoderm was more deeply anchored within the dermis than the other osteoderms studied hitherto. This peculiar structure might have been linked to a terrestrial ecology and a specific thermoregulation strategy. Some other notosuchians in our sample do not exhibit ornamentation on their osteoderms, as opposed to neosuchians. Considering current interpretations of osteoderm function(s) in crocodilians, our observations are discussed in reference to possible ecophysiological peculiarities of Notosuchia in general, and Iberosuchus in particular.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy E Martin
- Univ Lyon, Univ Lyon 1, ENSL, CNRS, LGL-TPE, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Romain Amiot
- Univ Lyon, Univ Lyon 1, ENSL, CNRS, LGL-TPE, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Jorge Cubo
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie-Paris (CR2P), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Vivian de Buffrénil
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie-Paris (CR2P), Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sena MVDA, Marinho TDS, Montefeltro FC, Langer MC, Fachini TS, Nava WR, Pinheiro AEP, de Araújo EV, Aubier P, de Andrade RCLP, Sayão JM, de Oliveira GR, Cubo J. Osteohistological characterization of notosuchian osteoderms: Evidence for an overlying thick leathery layer of skin. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21536. [PMID: 36394285 PMCID: PMC10107732 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are mineralized structures embedded in the dermis, known for nonavian archosaurs, squamates, xenarthrans, and amphibians. Herein, we compared the osteoderm histology of Brazilian Notosuchia of Cretaceous age using three neosuchians for comparative purposes. Microanatomical analyses showed that most of them present a diploe structure similar to those of other pseudosuchians, lizards, and turtles. This structure contains two cortices (the external cortex composed of an outer and an inner layers, and the basal cortex) and a core in-between them. Notosuchian osteoderms show high bone compactness (>0.85) with varying degrees of cancellous bone in the core. The neosuchian Guarinisuchus shows the lowest bone compactness with a well-developed cancellous layer. From an ontogenetic perspective, most tissues are formed through periosteal ossification, although the mineralized tissues observed in baurusuchid LPRP/USP 0634 suggest a late metaplastic development. Histology suggests that the ossification center of notosuchian osteoderm is located at the keel. Interestingly, we identified Sharpey's fibers running perpendicularly to the outer layer of the external cortex in Armadillosuchus arrudai, Itasuchus jesuinoi, and Baurusuchidae (LPRP/USP 0642). This feature indicates a tight attachment within the dermis, and it is evidence for the presence of an overlying thick leathery layer of skin over these osteoderms. These data allow a better understanding of the osteohistological structure of crocodylomorph dermal bones, and highlight their structural diversity. We suggest that the vascular canals present in some sampled osteoderms connecting the inner layer of the external cortex and the core with the external surface may increase osteoderm surface and the capacity of heat transfer in terrestrial notosuchians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Valéria de Araújo Sena
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Paleontologia da URCA, Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira-Pimenta, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Thiago da Silva Marinho
- Centro de Pesquisas Paleontológicas "Llewellyn Ivor Price", Complexo Cultural e Científico Peirópolis, Pró-Reitoria de Extensão Universitária, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Naturais e Educação, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Chinaglia Montefeltro
- Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Max Cardoso Langer
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Schineider Fachini
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Roberto Nava
- Museu de Paleontologia de Marília, Prefeitura Municipal de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Esaú Victor de Araújo
- Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul Aubier
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rafael César Lima Pedroso de Andrade
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Paleontologia da URCA, Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira-Pimenta, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Juliana Manso Sayão
- Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Paleontologia e Sistemática (LAPASI), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jorge Cubo
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cheng L, C. Moon B, Yan C, Motani R, Jiang D, An Z, Fang Z. The oldest record of Saurosphargiformes (Diapsida) from South China could fill an ecological gap in the Early Triassic biotic recovery. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13569. [PMID: 35855428 PMCID: PMC9288826 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13569] [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: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Diversification following the end-Permian mass extinction marks the initiation of Mesozoic reptile dominance and of modern marine ecosystems, yet major clades are best known from the Middle Triassic suggesting delayed recovery, while Early Triassic localities produce poorly preserved specimens or have restricted diversity. Here we describe Pomolispondylus biani gen. et sp. nov. from the Early Triassic Nanzhang-Yuan'an Fauna of China assigned to Saurosphargiformes tax. nov., a clade known only from the Middle Triassic or later, which includes Saurosphargidae, and likely is the sister taxon to Sauropterygia. Pomolispondylus biani is allied to Saurosphargidae by the extended transverse processes of dorsal vertebrae and a low, table-like dorsal surface on the neural spine; however, it does not have the typical extensive osteoderms. Rather an unusual tuberous texture on the dorsal neural spine and rudimentary ossifications lateral to the gastralia are observed. Discovery of Pomolispondylus biani extends the known range of Saurosphargiformes and increases the taxic and ecological diversity of the Nanzhang-Yuan'an Fauna. Its small size fills a different ecological niche with respect to previously found species, but the overall food web remains notably different in structure to Middle Triassic and later ecosystems, suggesting this fauna represents a transitional stage during recovery rather than its endpoint.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Cheng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Paleontology and Geological Environment Evolution, Wuhan Center of China Geological Survey, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Benjamin C. Moon
- Palaeobiology Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chunbo Yan
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Paleontology and Geological Environment Evolution, Wuhan Center of China Geological Survey, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ryosuke Motani
- University of California Davis, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Dayong Jiang
- Peking University, Department of Geology and Geological Museum, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Zhihui An
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Paleontology and Geological Environment Evolution, Wuhan Center of China Geological Survey, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zichen Fang
- China University of Geoscience, Wuhan, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Williams C, Kirby A, Marghoub A, Kéver L, Ostashevskaya-Gohstand S, Bertazzo S, Moazen M, Abzhanov A, Herrel A, Evans SE, Vickaryous M. A review of the osteoderms of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:1-19. [PMID: 34397141 PMCID: PMC9292694 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are mineralised structures consisting mainly of calcium phosphate and collagen. They form directly within the skin, with or without physical contact with the skeleton. Osteoderms, in some form, may be primitive for tetrapods as a whole, and are found in representatives of most major living lineages including turtles, crocodilians, lizards, armadillos, and some frogs, as well as extinct taxa ranging from early tetrapods to dinosaurs. However, their distribution in time and space raises questions about their evolution and homology in individual groups. Among lizards and their relatives, osteoderms may be completely absent; present only on the head or dorsum; or present all over the body in one of several arrangements, including non-overlapping mineralised clusters, a continuous covering of overlapping plates, or as spicular mineralisations that thicken with age. This diversity makes lizards an excellent focal group in which to study osteoderm structure, function, development and evolution. In the past, the focus of researchers was primarily on the histological structure and/or the gross anatomy of individual osteoderms in a limited sample of taxa. Those studies demonstrated that lizard osteoderms are sometimes two-layered structures, with a vitreous, avascular layer just below the epidermis and a deeper internal layer with abundant collagen within the deep dermis. However, there is considerable variation on this model, in terms of the arrangement of collagen fibres, presence of extra tissues, and/or a cancellous bone core bordered by cortices. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus on the contribution, if any, of osteoblasts in osteoderm development, despite research describing patterns of resorption and replacement that would suggest both osteoclast and osteoblast involvement. Key to this is information on development, but our understanding of the genetic and skeletogenic processes involved in osteoderm development and patterning remains minimal. The most common proposition for the presence of osteoderms is that they provide a protective armour. However, the large morphological and distributional diversity in lizard osteoderms raises the possibility that they may have other roles such as biomechanical reinforcement in response to ecological or functional constraints. If lizard osteoderms are primarily for defence, whether against predators or conspecifics, then this 'bony armour' might be predicted to have different structural and/or mechanical properties compared to other hard tissues (generally intended for support and locomotion). The cellular and biomineralisation mechanisms by which osteoderms are formed could also be different from those of other hard tissues, as reflected in their material composition and nanostructure. Material properties, especially the combination of malleability and resistance to impact, are of interest to the biomimetics and bioinspired material communities in the development of protective clothing and body armour. Currently, the literature on osteoderms is patchy and is distributed across a wide range of journals. Herein we present a synthesis of current knowledge on lizard osteoderm evolution and distribution, micro- and macrostructure, development, and function, with a view to stimulating further work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114-116, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Alexander Kirby
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Loïc Kéver
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Sonya Ostashevskaya-Gohstand
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Matt Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evolutionary origin of endochondral ossification: the transdifferentiation hypothesis. Dev Genes Evol 2016; 227:121-127. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-016-0567-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jannello JM, Cerda IA, de la Fuente MS. Shell bone histology of the long-necked chelid Yaminuechelys (Testudines: Pleurodira) from the late Cretaceous—early Palaeocene of Patagonia with comments on the histogenesis of bone ornamentation. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2016; 103:26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-016-1346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
10
|
Cerda IA, Casal GA, Martinez RD, Ibiricu LM. Histological evidence for a supraspinous ligament in sauropod dinosaurs. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2015; 2:150369. [PMID: 26587248 PMCID: PMC4632520 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Supraspinous ossified rods have been reported in the sacra of some derived sauropod dinosaurs. Although different hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of this structure, histological evidence has never been provided to support or reject any of them. In order to establish its origin, we analyse and characterize the microstructure of the supraspinous rod of two sauropod dinosaurs from the Upper Cretaceous of Argentina. The supraspinous ossified rod is almost entirely formed by dense Haversian bone. Remains of primary bone consist entirely of an avascular tissue composed of two types of fibre-like structures, which are coarse and longitudinally (parallel to the main axis of the element) oriented. These structures are differentiated on the basis of their optical properties under polarized light. Very thin fibrous strands are also observed in some regions. These small fibres are all oriented parallel to one another but perpendicular to the element main axis. Histological features of the primary bone tissue indicate that the sacral supraspinous rod corresponds to an ossified supraspinous ligament. The formation of this structure appears to have been a non-pathological metaplastic ossification, possibly induced by the continuous tensile forces applied to the element.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio A Cerda
- CONICET-Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología , Universidad Nacional de Río Negro , Museo Carlos Ameghino, Belgrano 1700, Paraje Pichi Ruca (predio Marabunta) 8300, Cipolletti, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Gabriel A Casal
- Laboratorio de Paleovertebrados , Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco , Ruta Prov. N° 1, Km 4, Comodoro Rivadavia (C.P. 9000), Chubut, Argentina
| | - Rubén D Martinez
- Laboratorio de Paleovertebrados , Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia San Juan Bosco , Ruta Prov. N° 1, Km 4, Comodoro Rivadavia (C.P. 9000), Chubut, Argentina
| | - Lucio M Ibiricu
- CONICET-Centro Nacional Patagónico , Blvd. Alte. Brown 2915, Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cerda IA, Desojo JB, Trotteyn MJ, Scheyer TM. Osteoderm histology of Proterochampsia and Doswelliidae (Reptilia: Archosauriformes) and their evolutionary and paleobiological implications. J Morphol 2015; 276:385-402. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio A. Cerda
- Conicet: Rivadavia 1917; Buenos Aires 1000-1499 Argentina
- Instituto de Investigación en Paleobiología y Geología; Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Museo Carlos Ameghino, Belgrano 1700, Paraje Pichi Ruca (predio Marabunta); 8300 Cipolletti Río Negro Argentina
| | - Julia B. Desojo
- Conicet: Rivadavia 1917; Buenos Aires 1000-1499 Argentina
- Sección Paleontología Vertebrados; Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”, Ángel Gallardo 470 C1405DJR; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - María J. Trotteyn
- Conicet: Rivadavia 1917; Buenos Aires 1000-1499 Argentina
- INGEO. Instituto de Geología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Ignacio de la Rosa 590 (oeste), Complejo Universitario Islas Malvinas; San Juan Argentina CP 5400
| | - Torsten M. Scheyer
- Paläontologisches Institut und Museum der Universität Zürich; Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, CH-8006 Zürich Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hirasawa T, Kuratani S. Evolution of the vertebrate skeleton: morphology, embryology, and development. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2015; 1:2. [PMID: 26605047 PMCID: PMC4604106 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-014-0007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Two major skeletal systems-the endoskeleton and exoskeleton-are recognized in vertebrate evolution. Here, we propose that these two systems are distinguished primarily by their relative positions, not by differences in embryonic histogenesis or cell lineage of origin. Comparative embryologic analyses have shown that both types of skeleton have changed their mode of histogenesis during evolution. Although exoskeletons were thought to arise exclusively from the neural crest, recent experiments in teleosts have shown that exoskeletons in the trunk are mesodermal in origin. The enameloid and dentine-coated postcranial exoskeleton seen in many vertebrates does not appear to represent an ancestral condition, as previously hypothesized, but rather a derived condition, in which the enameloid and dentine tissues became accreted to bones. Recent data from placoderm fossils are compatible with this scenario. In contrast, the skull contains neural crest-derived bones in its rostral part. Recent developmental studies suggest that the boundary between neural crest- and mesoderm-derived bones may not be consistent throughout evolution. Rather, the relative positions of bony elements may be conserved, and homologies of bony elements have been retained, with opportunistic changes in the mechanisms and cell lineages of development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Hirasawa
- Evolutionary Morphology Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| | - Shigeru Kuratani
- Evolutionary Morphology Laboratory, RIKEN, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
On the Unique Perspective of Paleontology in the Study of Developmental Evolution and Biases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13752-013-0115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
14
|
Houssaye A. Bone histology of aquatic reptiles: what does it tell us about secondary adaptation to an aquatic life? Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2012.02002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Houssaye
- Steinmann Institut für Geologie, Paläontologie und Mineralogie; Universität Bonn; Nussallee 8; 53115; Bonn; Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bailleul AM, Hall BK, Horner JR. First evidence of dinosaurian secondary cartilage in the post-hatching skull of Hypacrosaurus stebingeri (Dinosauria, Ornithischia). PLoS One 2012; 7:e36112. [PMID: 22558351 PMCID: PMC3340333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone and calcified cartilage can be fossilized and preserved for hundreds of millions of years. While primary cartilage is fairly well studied in extant and fossilized organisms, nothing is known about secondary cartilage in fossils. In extant birds, secondary cartilage arises after bone formation during embryonic life at articulations, sutures and muscular attachments in order to accommodate mechanical stress. Considering the phylogenetic inclusion of birds within the Dinosauria, we hypothesized a dinosaurian origin for this "avian" tissue. Therefore, histological thin sectioning was used to investigate secondary chondrogenesis in disarticulated craniofacial elements of several post-hatching specimens of the non-avian dinosaur Hypacrosaurus stebingeri (Ornithischia, Lambeosaurinae). Secondary cartilage was found on three membrane bones directly involved with masticatory function: (1) as nodules on the dorso-caudal face of a surangular; and (2) on the bucco-caudal face of a maxilla; and (3) between teeth as islets in the alveolar processes of a dentary. Secondary chondrogenesis at these sites is consistent with the locations of secondary cartilage in extant birds and with the induction of the cartilage by different mechanical factors - stress generated by the articulation of the quadrate, stress of a ligamentous or muscular insertion, and stress of tooth formation. Thus, our study reveals the first evidence of "avian" secondary cartilage in a non-avian dinosaur. It pushes the origin of this "avian" tissue deep into dinosaurian ancestry, suggesting the creation of the more appropriate term "dinosaurian" secondary cartilage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alida M Bailleul
- Museum of Rockies, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Boyd CA, Cleland TP, Novas F. Osteogenesis, homology, and function of the intercostal plates in ornithischian dinosaurs (Tetrapoda, Sauropsida). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-011-0136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
17
|
Buchwitz M, Witzmann F, Voigt S, Golubev V. Osteoderm microstructure indicates the presence of a crocodylian-like trunk bracing system in a group of armoured basal tetrapods. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2011.00502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
18
|
Witzmann F. Morphological and histological changes of dermal scales during the fish-to-tetrapod transition. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2010.00460.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
19
|
Delfino M, Sánchez-Villagra MR. A survey of the rock record of reptilian ontogeny. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2010; 21:432-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2009.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
20
|
Vickaryous MK, Sire JY. The integumentary skeleton of tetrapods: origin, evolution, and development. J Anat 2010; 214:441-64. [PMID: 19422424 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01043.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although often overlooked, the integument of many tetrapods is reinforced by a morphologically and structurally diverse assemblage of skeletal elements. These elements are widely understood to be derivatives of the once all-encompassing dermal skeleton of stem-gnathostomes but most details of their evolution and development remain confused and uncertain. Herein we re-evaluate the tetrapod integumentary skeleton by integrating comparative developmental and tissue structure data. Three types of tetrapod integumentary elements are recognized: (1) osteoderms, common to representatives of most major taxonomic lineages; (2) dermal scales, unique to gymnophionans; and (3) the lamina calcarea, an enigmatic tissue found only in some anurans. As presently understood, all are derivatives of the ancestral cosmoid scale and all originate from scleroblastic neural crest cells. Osteoderms are plesiomorphic for tetrapods but demonstrate considerable lineage-specific variability in size, shape, and tissue structure and composition. While metaplastic ossification often plays a role in osteoderm development, it is not the exclusive mode of skeletogenesis. All osteoderms share a common origin within the dermis (at or adjacent to the stratum superficiale) and are composed primarily (but not exclusively) of osseous tissue. These data support the notion that all osteoderms are derivatives of a neural crest-derived osteogenic cell population (with possible matrix contributions from the overlying epidermis) and share a deep homology associated with the skeletogenic competence of the dermis. Gymnophionan dermal scales are structurally similar to the elasmoid scales of most teleosts and are not comparable with osteoderms. Whereas details of development are lacking, it is hypothesized that dermal scales are derivatives of an odontogenic neural crest cell population and that skeletogenesis is comparable with the formation of elasmoid scales. Little is known about the lamina calcarea. It is proposed that this tissue layer is also odontogenic in origin, but clearly further study is necessary. Although not homologous as organs, all elements of the integumentary skeleton share a basic and essential relationship with the integument, connecting them with the ancestral rhombic scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Witzmann F, Soler-Gijón R. The bone histology of osteoderms in temnospondyl amphibians and in the chroniosuchianBystrowiella. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2008.00385.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
22
|
|
23
|
Downs JP, Donoghue PC. Skeletal histology ofBothriolepis canadensis(Placodermi, Antiarchi) and evolution of the skeleton at the origin of jawed vertebrates. J Morphol 2009; 270:1364-80. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.10765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
24
|
SCHEYER TM, SANDER PM. Bone microstructures and mode of skeletogenesis in osteoderms of three pareiasaur taxa from the Permian of South Africa. J Evol Biol 2009; 22:1153-62. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2009.01732.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
25
|
Aging the oldest turtles: the placodont affinities of Priscochelys hegnabrunnensis. Naturwissenschaften 2008; 95:803-10. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-008-0386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2008] [Revised: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|