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Sansalone G, Wroe S, Coates G, Attard MRG, Fruciano C. Unexpectedly uneven distribution of functional trade-offs explains cranial morphological diversity in carnivores. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3275. [PMID: 38627430 PMCID: PMC11021405 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional trade-offs can affect patterns of morphological and ecological evolution as well as the magnitude of morphological changes through evolutionary time. Using morpho-functional landscape modelling on the cranium of 132 carnivore species, we focused on the macroevolutionary effects of the trade-off between bite force and bite velocity. Here, we show that rates of evolution in form (morphology) are decoupled from rates of evolution in function. Further, we found theoretical morphologies optimising for velocity to be more diverse, while a much smaller phenotypic space was occupied by shapes optimising force. This pattern of differential representation of different functions in theoretical morphological space was highly correlated with patterns of actual morphological disparity. We hypothesise that many-to-one mapping of cranium shape on function may prevent the detection of direct relationships between form and function. As comparatively only few morphologies optimise bite force, species optimising this function may be less abundant because they are less likely to evolve. This, in turn, may explain why certain clades are less variable than others. Given the ubiquity of functional trade-offs in biological systems, these patterns may be general and may help to explain the unevenness of morphological and functional diversity across the tree of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sansalone
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (CNR-IRBIM), National Research Council, Via S. Raineri 4, 98122, Messina, Italy.
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 213D, 41125, Modena, Italy.
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Coates
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie R G Attard
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, CB3 0ET, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carmelo Fruciano
- Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (CNR-IRBIM), National Research Council, Via S. Raineri 4, 98122, Messina, Italy.
- National Biodiversity Future Center, Piazza Marina 61, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, via Androne 81, 95124, Catania, Italy.
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2
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Bicknell RDC, Schmidt M, Rahman IA, Edgecombe GD, Gutarra S, Daley AC, Melzer RR, Wroe S, Paterson JR. Raptorial appendages of the Cambrian apex predator Anomalocaris canadensis are built for soft prey and speed. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20230638. [PMID: 37403497 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.0638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The stem-group euarthropod Anomalocaris canadensis is one of the largest Cambrian animals and is often considered the quintessential apex predator of its time. This radiodont is commonly interpreted as a demersal hunter, responsible for inflicting injuries seen in benthic trilobites. However, controversy surrounds the ability of A. canadensis to use its spinose frontal appendages to masticate or even manipulate biomineralized prey. Here, we apply a new integrative computational approach, combining three-dimensional digital modelling, kinematics, finite-element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to rigorously analyse an A. canadensis feeding appendage and test its morphofunctional limits. These models corroborate a raptorial function, but expose inconsistencies with a capacity for durophagy. In particular, FEA results show that certain parts of the appendage would have experienced high degrees of plastic deformation, especially at the endites, the points of impact with prey. The CFD results demonstrate that outstretched appendages produced low drag and hence represented the optimal orientation for speed, permitting acceleration bursts to capture prey. These data, when combined with evidence regarding the functional morphology of its oral cone, eyes, body flaps and tail fan, suggest that A. canadensis was an agile nektonic predator that fed on soft-bodied animals swimming in a well-lit water column above the benthos. The lifestyle of A. canadensis and that of other radiodonts, including plausible durophages, suggests that niche partitioning across this clade influenced the dynamics of Cambrian food webs, impacting on a diverse array of organisms at different sizes, tiers and trophic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell D C Bicknell
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia
- Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Michel Schmidt
- Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Bavarian Natural History Collections, Munich, Germany
- Yunnan Key Laboratory for Palaeobiology, Institute of Palaeontology, Yunnan University, North Cuihu Road 2, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Imran A Rahman
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Oxford OX1 3PW, UK
| | | | - Susana Gutarra
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Allison C Daley
- Institute of Earth Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Roland R Melzer
- Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Bavarian Natural History Collections, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - John R Paterson
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale 2351, Australia
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3
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Bicknell RDC, Simone Y, van der Meijden A, Wroe S, Edgecombe GD, Paterson JR. Biomechanical analyses of pterygotid sea scorpion chelicerae uncover predatory specialisation within eurypterids. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14515. [PMID: 36523454 PMCID: PMC9745958 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Eurypterids (sea scorpions) are extinct aquatic chelicerates. Within this group, members of Pterygotidae represent some of the largest known marine arthropods. Representatives of this family all have hypertrophied, anteriorly-directed chelicerae and are commonly considered Silurian and Devonian apex predators. Despite a long history of research interest in these appendages, pterygotids have been subject to limited biomechanical investigation. Here, we present finite element analysis (FEA) models of four different pterygotid chelicerae-those of Acutiramus bohemicus, Erettopterus bilobus, Jaekelopterus rhenaniae, and Pterygotus anglicus-informed through muscle data and finite element models (FEMs) of chelae from 16 extant scorpion taxa. We find that Er. bilobus and Pt. anglicus have comparable stress patterns to modern scorpions, suggesting a generalised diet that probably included other eurypterids and, in the Devonian species, armoured fishes, as indicated by co-occurring fauna. Acutiramus bohemicus is markedly different, with the stress being concentrated in the proximal free ramus and the serrated denticles. This indicates a morphology better suited for targeting softer prey. Jaekelopterus rhenaniae exhibits much lower stress across the entire model. This, combined with an extremely large body size, suggests that the species likely fed on larger and harder prey, including heavily armoured fishes. The range of cheliceral morphologies and stress patterns within Pterygotidae demonstrate that members of this family had variable diets, with only the most derived species likely to feed on armoured prey, such as placoderms. Indeed, increased sizes of these forms throughout the mid-Palaeozoic may represent an 'arms race' between eurypterids and armoured fishes, with Devonian pterygotids adapting to the rapid diversification of placoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell D. C. Bicknell
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Yuri Simone
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Arie van der Meijden
- CIBIO Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | | | - John R. Paterson
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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4
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Hu H, Wang Y, Fabbri M, O’Connor JK, Mcdonald PG, Wroe S, Yin X, Zheng X, Zhou Z, Benson RBJ. Cranial osteology and palaeobiology of the Early Cretaceous bird Jeholornis prima (Aves: Jeholornithiformes). Zool J Linn Soc 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Jeholornis is a representative of the earliest-diverging bird lineages, providing important evidence of anatomical transitions involved in bird origins. Although ~100 specimens have been reported, its cranial morphology remains poorly documented owing to poor two-dimensional preservation, limiting our understanding of the morphology and ecology of the key avian lineage Jeholornithiformes, in addition to cranial evolution during the origin and early evolution of birds. Here, we provide a detailed description of the cranial osteology of Jeholornis prima, based primarily on high-quality, three-dimensional data of a recently reported specimen. New anatomical information confirms the overall plesiomorphic morphology of the skull, with the exception of the more specialized rostrum. Data from a large sample size of specimens reveal the dental formula of J. prima to be 0–2–3 (premaxillary–maxillary–dentary tooth counts), contrary to previous suggestions that the presence of maxillary teeth is diagnostic of a separate species, Jeholornis palmapenis. We also present evidence of sensory adaptation, including relatively large olfactory bulbs in comparison to other known stem birds, suggesting that olfaction was an important aspect of Jeholornis ecology. The digitally reconstructed scleral ring suggests a strongly diurnal habit, supporting the hypothesis that early-diverging birds were predominantly active during the day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hu
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3AN , UK
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University , Linyi, Shandong 276000 , China
| | - Matteo Fabbri
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History , Chicago, IL 60605 , USA
| | - Jingmai K O’Connor
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History , Chicago, IL 60605 , USA
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
- Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
| | - Paul G Mcdonald
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England , Armidale, NSW 2351 , Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England , Armidale, NSW 2351 , Australia
| | - Xuwei Yin
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature , Pingyi, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University , Linyi, Shandong 276000 , China
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature , Pingyi, Shandong, China
| | - Zhonghe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
- Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment, Chinese Academy of Sciences , 100044 Beijing , China
| | - Roger B J Benson
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford , Oxford OX1 3AN , UK
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5
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Cooper JA, Hutchinson JR, Bernvi DC, Cliff G, Wilson RP, Dicken ML, Menzel J, Wroe S, Pirlo J, Pimiento C. The extinct shark Otodus megalodon was a transoceanic superpredator: Inferences from 3D modeling. Sci Adv 2022; 8:eabm9424. [PMID: 35977007 PMCID: PMC9385135 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm9424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although shark teeth are abundant in the fossil record, their bodies are rarely preserved. Thus, our understanding of the anatomy of the extinct Otodus megalodon remains rudimentary. We used an exceptionally well-preserved fossil to create the first three-dimensional model of the body of this giant shark and used it to infer its movement and feeding ecology. We estimate that an adult O. megalodon could cruise at faster absolute speeds than any shark species today and fully consume prey the size of modern apex predators. A dietary preference for large prey potentially enabled O. megalodon to minimize competition and provided a constant source of energy to fuel prolonged migrations without further feeding. Together, our results suggest that O. megalodon played an important ecological role as a transoceanic superpredator. Hence, its extinction likely had large impacts on global nutrient transfer and trophic food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack A. Cooper
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - John R. Hutchinson
- Structure and Motion Laboratory, Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David C. Bernvi
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa
| | - Geremy Cliff
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KZN, South Africa
| | - Rory P. Wilson
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Matt L. Dicken
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Jan Menzel
- JanMenzelArt, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution, and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Jeanette Pirlo
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 95382, USA
| | - Catalina Pimiento
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
- Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Zurich CH-8006, Switzerland
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution, Balboa, Panama
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6
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Hu H, Wang Y, McDonald PG, Wroe S, O'Connor JK, Bjarnason A, Bevitt JJ, Yin X, Zheng X, Zhou Z, Benson RBJ. Earliest evidence for fruit consumption and potential seed dispersal by birds. eLife 2022; 11:74751. [PMID: 35971758 PMCID: PMC9381037 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Early Cretaceous diversification of birds was a major event in the history of terrestrial ecosystems, occurring during the earliest phase of the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, long before the origin of the bird crown-group. Frugivorous birds play an important role in seed dispersal today. However, evidence of fruit consumption in early birds from outside the crown-group has been lacking. Jeholornis is one of the earliest-diverging birds, only slightly more crownward than Archaeopteryx, but its cranial anatomy has been poorly understood, limiting trophic information which may be gleaned from the skull. Originally hypothesised to be granivorous based on seeds preserved as gut contents, this interpretation has become controversial. We conducted high-resolution synchrotron tomography on an exquisitely preserved new skull of Jeholornis, revealing remarkable cranial plesiomorphies combined with a specialised rostrum. We use this to provide a near-complete cranial reconstruction of Jeholornis, and exclude the possibility that Jeholornis was granivorous, based on morphometric analyses of the mandible (3D) and cranium (2D), and comparisons with the 3D alimentary contents of extant birds. We show that Jeholornis provides the earliest evidence for fruit consumption in birds, and indicates that birds may have been recruited for seed dispersal during the earliest stages of the avian radiation. As mobile seed dispersers, early frugivorous birds could have expanded the scope for biotic dispersal in plants, and might therefore explain, at least in part, the subsequent evolutionary expansion of fruits, indicating a potential role of bird–plant interactions in the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution. Birds and plants have a close relationship that has developed over millions of years. Birds became diverse and abundant around 135 million years ago. Shortly after, plants started developing new and different kinds of fruits. Today, fruit-eating birds help plants to reproduce by spreading seeds in their droppings. This suggests that birds and plants have coevolved, changing together over time. But it is not clear exactly how their relationship started. One species that might hold the answers is an early bird species known as Jeholornis. It lived in China in the Early Cretaceous, around 120 million years ago. Palaeontologists have discovered preserved seeds inside its fossilised remains. The question is, how did they get there? Some birds eat seeds directly, cracking them open or grinding them up in the stomach to extract the nutrients inside. Other birds swallow seeds when they are eating fruit. If Jeholornis belonged to this second group, it could represent one of the early steps in plant-bird coevolution. Hu et al. scanned and reconstructed a preserved Jeholornis skull and compared it to the skulls, especially the mandibles, of modern birds, including species that grind seeds, species that crack seeds and species that eat fruits, leaving the seeds whole. The analyses ruled out seed cracking. But it could not distinguish between seed grinding and fruit eating. Hu et al. therefore compared the seed remains found inside Jeholornis fossils to seeds eaten by modern birds. The fossilised seeds were intact and showed no evidence of grinding. This suggests that Jeholornis ate whole fruits for at least part of the year. At around the time Jeholornis was alive, the world was entering a phase called the Cretaceous Terrestrial Revolution, which was characterized by an explosion of new species and an expansion of both flowering plants and birds. This finding opens new avenues for scientists to explore how plant and birds might have evolved together. Similar analyses could unlock new information about how other species interacted with their environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hu
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University
| | - Paul G McDonald
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England
| | - Jingmai K O'Connor
- Field Museum of Natural History
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment
| | | | - Joseph J Bevitt
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
| | | | - Xiaoting Zheng
- Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Linyi University
- Shandong Tianyu Museum of Nature
| | - Zhonghe Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Vertebrate Evolution and Human Origins, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Life and Paleoenvironment
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7
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Mitchell DR, Wroe S, Ravosa MJ, Menegaz RA. More Challenging Diets Sustain Feeding Performance: Applications Toward the Captive Rearing of Wildlife. Integr Org Biol 2021; 3:obab030. [PMID: 34888486 PMCID: PMC8653637 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The rescue and rehabilitation of young fauna is of substantial importance to conservation. However, it has been suggested that incongruous diets offered in captive environments may alter craniofacial morphology and hinder the success of reintroduced animals. Despite these claims, to what extent dietary variation throughout ontogeny impacts intrapopulation cranial biomechanics has not yet been tested. Here, finite element models were generated from the adult crania of 40 rats (n = 10 per group) that were reared on 4 different diet regimes and stress magnitudes compared during incisor bite simulations. The diets consisted of (1) exclusively hard pellets from weaning, (2) exclusively soft ground pellet meal from weaning, (3) a juvenile switch from pellets to meal, and (4) a juvenile switch from meal to pellets. We hypothesized that a diet of exclusively soft meal would result in the weakest adult skulls, represented by significantly greater stress magnitudes at the muzzle, palate, and zygomatic arch. Our hypothesis was supported at the muzzle and palate, indicating that a diet limited to soft food inhibits bone deposition throughout ontogeny. This finding presents a strong case for a more variable and challenging diet during development. However, rather than the "soft" diet group resulting in the weakest zygomatic arch as predicted, this region instead showed the highest stress among rats that switched as juveniles from hard pellets to soft meal. We attribute this to a potential reduction in number and activity of osteoblasts, as demonstrated in studies of sudden and prolonged disuse of bone. A shift to softer foods in captivity, during rehabilitation after injury in the wild for example, can therefore be detrimental to healthy development of the skull in some growing animals, potentially increasing the risk of injury and impacting the ability to access full ranges of wild foods upon release. We suggest captive diet plans consider not just nutritional requirements but also food mechanical properties when rearing wildlife to adulthood for reintroduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rex Mitchell
- Center for Anatomical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Matthew J Ravosa
- Departments of Biological Sciences, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, and Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rachel A Menegaz
- Center for Anatomical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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8
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van Heteren AH, Wroe S, Tsang LR, Mitchell DR, Ross P, Ledogar JA, Attard MRG, Sustaita D, Clausen P, Scofield RP, Sansalone G. New Zealand's extinct giant raptor ( Hieraaetus moorei) killed like an eagle, ate like a condor. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20211913. [PMID: 34847767 PMCID: PMC8634616 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.1913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The extinct Haast's eagle or harpagornis (Hieraaetus moorei) is the largest known eagle. Historically, it was first considered a predator, then a scavenger, but most recent authors have favoured an active hunting ecology. However, the veracity of proposed similarities to carrion feeders has not been thoroughly tested. To infer feeding capability and behaviour in harpagornis, we used geometric morphometric and finite-element analyses to assess the shape and biomechanical strength of its neurocranium, beak and talons in comparison to five extant scavenging and predatory birds. The neurocranium of harpagornis is vulture-like in shape whereas its beak is eagle-like. The mechanical performance of harpagornis is closer to extant eagles under biting loads but is closest to the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) under extrinsic loads simulating prey capture and killing. The talons, however, are eagle-like and even for a bird of its size, able to withstand extremely high loads. Results are consistent with the proposition that, unlike living eagles, harpagornis habitually killed prey larger than itself, then applied feeding methods typical of vultures to feed on the large carcasses. Decoupling of the relationship between neurocranium and beak shape may have been linked to rapid evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. H. van Heteren
- Sektion Mammalogie, Zoologische Staatssammlung München - Staatliche Naturwissenschaftliche Sammlungen Bayerns, Münchhausenstraße 21, 81247 Munich, Germany
- GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Straße 10, 80333 Munich, Germany
- Department Biologie II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Großhaderner Straße 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
| | - S. Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
| | - L. R. Tsang
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
- Ornithology Collection, Australian Museum Research Institute, 1 William Street, Sydney, Australia
| | - D. R. Mitchell
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5042 Adelaide, Australia
| | - P. Ross
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308 Newcastle, Australia
| | - J. A. Ledogar
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27798, USA
| | - M. R. G. Attard
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
- School of Engineering and Innovation, Open University: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - D. Sustaita
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University San Marcos, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096, USA
| | - P. Clausen
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308 Newcastle, Australia
| | - R. P. Scofield
- Natural History, Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, 8013 Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - G. Sansalone
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Earth Sciences Building, NSW 2351 Armidale, Australia
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9
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Attard MRG, Lewis A, Wroe S, Hughes C, Rogers TL. Whisker growth in Tasmanian devils (
Sarcophilus harrisii
) and applications for stable isotope studies. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marie R. G. Attard
- Department of Biological Sciences Royal Holloway University of London Egham TW20 0EX UK
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Anna Lewis
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
- The Carnivore Conservancy Ulverstone Tasmania Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
| | - Channing Hughes
- The Carnivore Conservancy Ulverstone Tasmania Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Tracey L. Rogers
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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10
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Weisbecker V, Rowe T, Wroe S, Macrini TE, Garland KLS, Travouillon KJ, Black K, Archer M, Hand SJ, Berlin JC, Beck RMD, Ladevèze S, Sharp AC, Mardon K, Sherratt E. Global elongation and high shape flexibility as an evolutionary hypothesis of accommodating mammalian brains into skulls. Evolution 2021; 75:625-640. [PMID: 33483947 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how the large brains of mammals are accommodated into the dazzling diversity of their skulls. It has been suggested that brain shape is influenced by relative brain size, that it evolves or develops according to extrinsic or intrinsic mechanical constraints, and that its shape can provide insights into its proportions and function. Here, we characterize the shape variation among 84 marsupial cranial endocasts of 57 species including fossils, using three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and virtual dissections. Statistical shape analysis revealed four main patterns: over half of endocast shape variation ranges from elongate and straight to globular and inclined; little allometric variation with respect to centroid size, and none for relative volume; no association between locomotion and endocast shape; limited association between endocast shape and previously published histological cortex volumes. Fossil species tend to have smaller cerebral hemispheres. We find divergent endocast shapes in closely related species and within species, and diverse morphologies superimposed over the main variation. An evolutionarily and individually malleable brain with a fundamental tendency to arrange into a spectrum of elongate-to-globular shapes-possibly mostly independent of brain function-may explain the accommodation of brains within the enormous diversity of mammalian skull form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Weisbecker
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy Rowe
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Thomas E Macrini
- Department of Biological Sciences, St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas, 78228
| | | | - Kenny J Travouillon
- Collections and Research, Western Australian Museum, Welshpool, WA, 6986, Australia
| | - Karen Black
- Earth and Sustainability Science Research Center, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- Earth and Sustainability Science Research Center, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Suzanne J Hand
- Earth and Sustainability Science Research Center, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jeri C Berlin
- Department of Geological Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Robin M D Beck
- School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Salford, M5 4WT, United Kingdom
| | - Sandrine Ladevèze
- CR2P UMR 7207, CNRS/MNHN/Sorbonne Université, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - Alana C Sharp
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Karine Mardon
- Centre of Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Emma Sherratt
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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11
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Bicknell RDC, Holmes JD, Edgecombe GD, Losso SR, Ortega-Hernández J, Wroe S, Paterson JR. Biomechanical analyses of Cambrian euarthropod limbs reveal their effectiveness in mastication and durophagy. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20202075. [PMID: 33499790 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Durophagy arose in the Cambrian and greatly influenced the diversification of biomineralized defensive structures throughout the Phanerozoic. Spinose gnathobases on protopodites of Cambrian euarthropod limbs are considered key innovations for shell-crushing, yet few studies have demonstrated their effectiveness with biomechanical models. Here we present finite-element analysis models of two Cambrian trilobites with prominent gnathobases-Redlichia rex and Olenoides serratus-and compare these to the protopodites of the Cambrian euarthropod Sidneyia inexpectans and the modern American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Results show that L. polyphemus, S. inexpectans and R. rex have broadly similar microstrain patterns, reflecting effective durophagous abilities. Conversely, low microstrain values across the O. serratus protopodite suggest that the elongate gnathobasic spines transferred minimal strain, implying that this species was less well-adapted to masticate hard prey. These results confirm that Cambrian euarthropods with transversely elongate protopodites bearing short, robust gnathobasic spines were likely durophages. Comparatively, taxa with shorter protopodites armed with long spines, such as O. serratus, were more likely restricted to a soft food diet. The prevalence of Cambrian gnathobase-bearing euarthropods and their various feeding specializations may have accelerated the development of complex trophic relationships within early animal ecosystems, especially the 'arms race' between predators and biomineralized prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell D C Bicknell
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - James D Holmes
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Gregory D Edgecombe
- Department of Earth Sciences, The Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Sarah R Losso
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Javier Ortega-Hernández
- Museum of Comparative Zoology and Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - John R Paterson
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental & Rural Science University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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12
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Castiglione S, Serio C, Piccolo M, Mondanaro A, Melchionna M, Di Febbraro M, Sansalone G, Wroe S, Raia P. The influence of domestication, insularity and sociality on the tempo and mode of brain size evolution in mammals. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The ability to develop complex social bonds and an increased capacity for behavioural flexibility in novel environments have both been forwarded as selective forces favouring the evolution of a large brain in mammals. However, large brains are energetically expensive, and in circumstances in which selective pressures are relaxed, e.g. on islands, smaller brains are selected for. Similar reasoning has been offered to explain the reduction of brain size in domestic species relative to their wild relatives. Herein, we assess the effect of domestication, insularity and sociality on brain size evolution at the macroevolutionary scale. Our results are based on analyses of a 426-taxon tree, including both wild species and domestic breeds. We further develop the phylogenetic ridge regression comparative method (RRphylo) to work with discrete variables and compare the rates (tempo) and direction (mode) of brain size evolution among categories within each of three factors (sociality, insularity and domestication). The common assertion that domestication increases the rate of brain size evolution holds true. The same does not apply to insularity. We also find support for the suggested but previously untested hypothesis that species living in medium-sized groups exhibit faster rates of brain size evolution than either solitary or herding taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Castiglione
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmela Serio
- Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Martina Piccolo
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mondanaro
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Marina Melchionna
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Mirko Di Febbraro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, C. da Fonte Lappone, 15, Pesche, IS, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sansalone
- Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Pasquale Raia
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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13
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Sansalone G, Allen K, Ledogar JA, Ledogar S, Mitchell DR, Profico A, Castiglione S, Melchionna M, Serio C, Mondanaro A, Raia P, Wroe S. Variation in the strength of allometry drives rates of evolution in primate brain shape. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200807. [PMID: 32635870 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Large brains are a defining feature of primates, as is a clear allometric trend between body mass and brain size. However, important questions on the macroevolution of brain shape in primates remain unanswered. Here we address two: (i), does the relationship between the brain size and its shape follow allometric trends and (ii), is this relationship consistent over evolutionary time? We employ three-dimensional geometric morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods to answer these questions, based on a large sample representing 151 species and most primate families. We found two distinct trends regarding the relationship between brain shape and brain size. Hominoidea and Cercopithecinae showed significant evolutionary allometry, whereas no allometric trends were discernible for Strepsirrhini, Colobinae or Platyrrhini. Furthermore, we found that in the taxa characterized by significant allometry, brain shape evolution accelerated, whereas for taxa in which such allometry was absent, the evolution of brain shape decelerated. We conclude that although primates in general are typically described as large-brained, strong allometric effects on brain shape are largely confined to the order's representatives that display more complex behavioural repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sansalone
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, NSW 2351, Armidale, Australia
| | - K Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St Louis, Washington, MO, USA
| | - J A Ledogar
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - S Ledogar
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, NSW 2351, Armidale, Australia.,Department of Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology, School of Humanities, University of New England, NSW 2351, Armidale, Australia
| | - D R Mitchell
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, NSW 2351, Armidale, Australia.,Department of Anthropology, University of Arkansas, Old Main 330, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - A Profico
- Dipartimento di Biologia Ambientale, Sapienza Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - S Castiglione
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Melchionna
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - C Serio
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Research Centre in Evolutionary Anthropology and Palaeoecology, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - A Mondanaro
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy.,Department of Earth Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
| | - P Raia
- Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - S Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, NSW 2351, Armidale, Australia
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14
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Stein MD, Hand SJ, Archer M, Wroe S, Wilson LAB. Quantitatively assessing mekosuchine crocodile locomotion by geometric morphometric and finite element analysis of the forelimb. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9349. [PMID: 32587803 PMCID: PMC7301899 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphological shifts observed in the fossil record of a lineage potentially indicate concomitant shifts in ecology of that lineage. Mekosuchine crocodiles of Cenozoic Australia display departures from the typical eusuchian body-plan both in the cranium and postcranium. Previous qualitative studies have suggested that these crocodiles had a more terrestrial habitus than extant crocodylians, yet the capacity of mekosuchine locomotion remains to be tested. Limb bone shape, such as diaphyseal cross-section and curvature, has been related to habitual use and locomotory function across a wide variety of taxa. Available specimens of mekosuchine limbs, primarily humeri, are distinctly columnar compared with those of extant crocodylians. Here we apply a quantitative approach to biomechanics in mekosuchine taxa using both geomorphic morphometric and finite element methods to measure bone shape and estimate locomotory stresses in a comparative context. Our results show mekosuchines appear to diverge from extant semi-aquatic saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in cross-sectional geometry of the diaphysis and generate different structural stresses between models that simulate sprawling and high-walk gaits. The extant crocodylians display generally rounded cross-sectional diaphyseal outlines, which may provide preliminary indication of resistance to torsional loads that predominate during sprawling gait, whereas mekosuchine humeri appear to vary between a series of elliptical outlines. Mekosuchine structural stresses are comparatively lower than those of the extant crocodylians and reduce under high-walk gait in some instances. This appears to be a function of bending moments induced by differing configurations of diaphyseal curvature. Additionally, the neutral axis of structural stresses is differently oriented in mekosuchines. This suggests a shift in the focus of biomechanical optimisation, from torsional to axial loadings. Our results lend quantitative support to the terrestrial habitus hypothesis in so far as they suggest that mekosuchine humeri occupied a different morphospace than that associated with the semi-aquatic habit. The exact adaptational trajectory of mekosuchines, however, remains to be fully quantified. Novel forms appear to emerge among mekosuchines during the late Cenozoic. Their adaptational function is considered here; possible applications include navigation of uneven terrain and burrowing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Stein
- PANGEA Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne J Hand
- PANGEA Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- PANGEA Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- PANGEA Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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15
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Sorrentino R, Stephens NB, Carlson KJ, Figus C, Fiorenza L, Frost S, Harcourt-Smith W, Parr W, Saers J, Turley K, Wroe S, Belcastro MG, Ryan TM, Benazzi S. The influence of mobility strategy on the modern human talus. Am J Phys Anthropol 2019; 171:456-469. [PMID: 31825095 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The primate talus is known to have a shape that varies according to differences in locomotion and substrate use. While the modern human talus is morphologically specialized for bipedal walking, relatively little is known on how its morphology varies in relation to cultural and environmental differences across time. Here we compare tali of modern human populations with different subsistence economies and lifestyles to explore how cultural practices and environmental factors influence external talar shape. MATERIALS AND METHODS The sample consists of digital models of 142 tali from 11 archaeological and post-industrial modern human groups. Talar morphology was investigated through 3D (semi)landmark based geometric morphometric methods. RESULTS Our results show distinct differences between highly mobile hunter-gatherers and more sedentary groups belonging to a mixed post-agricultural/industrial background. Hunter-gatherers exhibit a more "flexible" talar shape, everted posture, and a more robust and medially oriented talar neck/head, which we interpret as reflecting long-distance walking strictly performed barefoot, or wearing minimalistic footwear, along uneven ground. The talus of the post-industrial population exhibits a "stable" profile, neutral posture, and a less robust and orthogonally oriented talar neck/head, which we interpret as a consequence of sedentary lifestyle and use of stiff footwear. DISCUSSION We suggest that talar morphological variation is related to the adoption of constraining footwear in post-industrial society, which reduces ankle range of motion. This contrasts with hunter-gatherers, where talar shape shows a more flexible profile, likely resulting from a lack of footwear while traversing uneven terrain. We conclude that modern human tali vary with differences in locomotor and cultural behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Sorrentino
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Nicholas B Stephens
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristian J Carlson
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Palaeosciences Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carla Figus
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy
| | - Luca Fiorenza
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.,Earth Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Frost
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - William Harcourt-Smith
- Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York.,New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology, New York, New York.,Department of Anthropology, Lehman College, New York, New York.,Division of Paleontology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
| | - William Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jaap Saers
- PAVE Research Group, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kevin Turley
- Department of Anthropology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maria G Belcastro
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,ADES, UMR 7268 CNRS/Aix-Marseille Université/EFS, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille Cedex 15, France
| | - Timothy M Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania
| | - Stefano Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Ravenna, Italy.,Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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16
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Klinkhamer AJ, Woodley N, Neenan JM, Parr WCH, Clausen P, Sánchez-Villagra MR, Sansalone G, Lister AM, Wroe S. Head to head: the case for fighting behaviour in Megaloceros giganteus using finite-element analysis. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 286:20191873. [PMID: 31594504 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.1873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The largest antlers of any known deer species belonged to the extinct giant deer Megaloceros giganteus. It has been argued that their antlers were too large for use in fighting, instead being used only in ritualized displays to attract mates. Here, we used finite-element analysis to test whether the antlers of M. giganteus could have withstood forces generated during fighting. We compared the mechanical performance of antlers in M. giganteus with three extant deer species: red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and elk (Alces alces). Von Mises stress results suggest that M. giganteus was capable of withstanding some fighting loads, provided that their antlers interlocked proximally, and that their antlers were best adapted for withstanding loads from twisting rather than pushing actions, as are other deer with palmate antlers. We conclude that fighting in M. giganteus was probably more constrained and predictable than in extant deer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada J Klinkhamer
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Nicholas Woodley
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - James M Neenan
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW, UK
| | - William C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Philip Clausen
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Marcelo R Sánchez-Villagra
- Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Sansalone
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Adrian M Lister
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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17
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Sansalone G, Colangelo P, Loy A, Raia P, Wroe S, Piras P. Impact of transition to a subterranean lifestyle on morphological disparity and integration in talpid moles (Mammalia, Talpidae). BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:179. [PMID: 31510915 PMCID: PMC6739959 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the mechanisms promoting or constraining morphological diversification within clades is a central topic in evolutionary biology. Ecological transitions are of particular interest because of their influence upon the selective forces and factors involved in phenotypic evolution. Here we focused on the humerus and mandibles of talpid moles to test whether the transition to the subterranean lifestyle impacted morphological disparity and phenotypic traits covariation between these two structures. RESULTS Our results indicate non-subterranean species occupy a significantly larger portion of the talpid moles morphospace. However, there is no difference between subterranean and non-subterranean moles in terms of the strength and direction of phenotypic integration. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that the transition to a subterranean lifestyle significantly reduced morphological variability in talpid moles. However, this reduced disparity was not accompanied by changes in the pattern of traits covariation between the humerus and the mandible, suggesting the presence of strong phylogenetic conservatism within this pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Sansalone
- Form, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351 Australia
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo 1, I-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Colangelo
- National Research Council, Institute of Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems, Via Salaria km 29.300, 00015 Monterotondo (Rome), Italy
| | - Anna Loy
- Environmetrics Lab, Dipartimento STAT, Università del Molise, I-86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Pasquale Raia
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Department of Earth Sciences, Environment and Resources, L.go San Marcellino 10, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Form, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351 Australia
| | - Paolo Piras
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cardiovascolari,Respiratorie, Nefrologiche, Anestesiologiche e Geriatriche, “Sapienza”, Università di Roma, Via del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale e Geotecnica, Sapienza, Università di Roma, Via Eudossiana 18, 00100 Rome, Italy
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18
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Neaux D, Wroe S, Ledogar JA, Heins Ledogar S, Sansalone G. Morphological integration affects the evolution of midline cranial base, lateral basicranium, and face across primates. Am J Phys Anthropol 2019; 170:37-47. [PMID: 31290149 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The basicranium and face are two integrated bony structures displaying great morphological diversity across primates. Previous studies in hominids determined that the basicranium is composed of two independent modules: the midline basicranium, mostly influenced by brain size, and the lateral basicranium, predominantly associated with facial shape. To better assess how morphological integration impacts the evolution of primate cranial shape diversity, we test to determine whether the relationships found in hominids are retained across the order. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three-dimensional landmarks (29) were placed on 143 computed tomography scans of six major clades of extant primate crania. We assessed the covariation between midline basicranium, lateral basicranium, face, and endocranial volume using phylogenetically informed partial least squares analyses and phylogenetic generalized least squares models. RESULTS We found significant integration between lateral basicranium and face and between midline basicranium and face. We also described a significant correlation between midline basicranium and endocranial volume but not between lateral basicranium and endocranial volume. DISCUSSION Our findings demonstrate a significant and pervasive integration in the craniofacial structures across primates, differing from previous results in hominids. The uniqueness of module organization in hominids may explain this distinction. We found that endocranial volume is significantly integrated to the midline basicranium but not to the lateral basicranium. This finding underlines the significant effect of brain size on the shape of the midline structures of the cranial base in primates. With the covariations linking the studied features defined here, we suggest that future studies should focus on determining the causal links between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Neaux
- Archéozoologie, Archéobotanique: Sociétés, Pratiques et Environnements (AASPE), UMR 7209, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle-CNRS, Paris, France.,Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,Laboratoire Paléontologie Evolution Paléoécosystèmes Paléoprimatologie (PALEVOPRIM), UMR 7262, Université de Poitiers-CNRS, Poitiers, France
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Justin A Ledogar
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sarah Heins Ledogar
- Department of Archaeology & Palaeoanthropology, School of Humanities, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabriele Sansalone
- Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Center for Evolutionary Ecology, Rome, Italy
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19
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Tsang LR, Wilson LAB, Ledogar J, Wroe S, Attard M, Sansalone G. Raptor talon shape and biomechanical performance are controlled by relative prey size but not by allometry. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7076. [PMID: 31068662 PMCID: PMC6506530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Most birds of prey (raptors), rely heavily on their talons for capturing prey. However, the relationship between talon shape and the ability to take prey is poorly understood. In this study we investigate whether raptor talons have evolved primarily in response to adaptive pressures exerted by different dietary demands, or if talon morphology is largely constrained by allometric or phylogenetic factors. We focus on the hallux talon and include 21 species in total varying greatly in body mass and feeding ecology, ranging from active predation on relatively large prey to obligate scavenging. To quantify the variation in talon shape and biomechanical performance within a phylogenetic framework, we combined three dimensional (3D) geometric morphometrics, finite element modelling and phylogenetic comparative methods. Our results indicate that relative prey size plays a key role in shaping the raptorial talon. Species that hunt larger prey are characterised by both distinct talon shape and mechanical performance when compared to species that predate smaller prey, even when accounting for phylogeny. In contrast to previous results of skull-based analysis, allometry had no significant effect. In conclusion, we found that raptor talon evolution has been strongly influenced by relative prey size, but not allometry and, that talon shape and mechanical performance are good indicators of feeding ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah R Tsang
- Ornithology Collection, Australian Museum Research Institute, Australian Museum, 1 William Street, Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia.,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- Palaeontology, Geobiology & Earth Archives Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences. University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Justin Ledogar
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.,Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Marie Attard
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Gabriele Sansalone
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
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20
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Mitchell DR, Sherratt E, Ledogar JA, Wroe S. The biomechanics of foraging determines face length among kangaroos and their relatives. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2018.0845. [PMID: 29925620 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing body size is accompanied by facial elongation across a number of mammalian taxa. This trend forms the basis of a proposed evolutionary rule, cranial evolutionary allometry (CREA). However, facial length has also been widely associated with the varying mechanical resistance of foods. Here, we combine geometric morphometrics and computational biomechanical analyses to determine whether evolutionary allometry or feeding ecology have been dominant influences on facial elongation across 16 species of kangaroos and relatives (Macropodiformes). We found no support for an allometric trend. Nor was craniofacial morphology strictly defined by dietary categories, but rather associated with a combination of the mechanical properties of vegetation types and cropping behaviours used to access them. Among species examined here, shorter muzzles coincided with known diets of tough, resistant plant tissues, accessed via active slicing by the anterior dentition. This morphology consistently resulted in increased mechanical efficiency and decreased bone deformation during incisor biting. Longer muzzles, by contrast, aligned with softer foods or feeding behaviours invoking cervical musculature that circumvent the need for hard biting. These findings point to a potential for craniofacial morphology to predict feeding ecology in macropodiforms, which may be useful for species management planning and for inferring palaeoecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rex Mitchell
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Emma Sherratt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Justin A Ledogar
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
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21
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Sun B, Singh N, Wroe S. P59 Acute varicella zoster encephalitis? Don’t forget the treatment! J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019. [DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-abn.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesEducate physicians on the need for monitoring of Aciclivir levels in renal failure.DesignRetrospective case report.Subjects59 year old woman presented with acute psychosis following recent herpes zoster treated with oral Aciclovir.MethodsData collection from; original casenotes, electronic laboratory records, electronic picture archiving and communication system (PACS).ResultsLumbar puncture showed raised protein (0.92 g/L), CSF:serum glucose ratio(0.9), 36 WBCs/cmm(72% polymorphs) and detection of VZV DNA. MRI brain only revealed intracranial-hypotension secondary to lumbar puncture. Despite absence of VZV DNA on surveillance lumbar puncture, she remained minimally responsive. Aciclovir levels were significantly elevated post-dose at 32.7 mg/L (cutoff 10.8 mg/L) and a sedation hold revealed temporal correlation of pre-dose levels (6.4 mg/L) with improvement of GCS, strongly implicating Aciclovir as causative agent. Rapid resolution of encephalopathy occurred upon cessation with no residual neurological compromise.ConclusionsAciclovir neurotoxicity mimics zoster-related encephalitis and VZV DNA is commonly detected in cerebrospinal fluid of patient’s with herpes zoster (Rudzek et al. 2007). Our case highlights the need for vigilance of Aciclovir-neurotoxicity in renal failure patients.ReferenceRudzek D, Piskunova N, Zampachova E. High variability in viral load in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infections of the central nervous system. Clinical Microbiology and Infection2007;13(12):1217–1219.
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22
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Mitchell DR, Sherratt E, Sansalone G, Ledogar JA, Flavel RJ, Wroe S. Feeding Biomechanics Influences Craniofacial Morphology at the Subspecies Scale among Australian Pademelons (Macropodidae: Thylogale). J MAMM EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10914-018-9455-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Klinkhamer AJ, Mallison H, Poropat SF, Sloan T, Wroe S. Comparative Three‐Dimensional Moment Arm Analysis of the Sauropod Forelimb: Implications for the Transition to a Wide‐Gauge Stance in Titanosaurs. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:794-817. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ada J. Klinkhamer
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queensland Australia
| | | | - Stephen F. Poropat
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queensland Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - Trish Sloan
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queensland Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
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24
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Bicknell RDC, Ledogar JA, Wroe S, Gutzler BC, Watson WH, Paterson JR. Computational biomechanical analyses demonstrate similar shell-crushing abilities in modern and ancient arthropods. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:rspb.2018.1935. [PMID: 30355715 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.1935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The biology of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is well documented-including its dietary habits, particularly the ability to crush shell with gnathobasic walking appendages-but virtually nothing is known about the feeding biomechanics of this iconic arthropod. Limulus polyphemus is also considered the archetypal functional analogue of various extinct groups with serial gnathobasic appendages, including eurypterids, trilobites and other early arthropods, especially Sidneyia inexpectans from the mid-Cambrian (508 Myr) Burgess Shale of Canada. Exceptionally preserved specimens of S. inexpectans show evidence suggestive of durophagous (shell-crushing) tendencies-including thick gnathobasic spine cuticle and shelly gut contents-but the masticatory capabilities of this fossil species have yet to be compared with modern durophagous arthropods. Here, we use advanced computational techniques, specifically a unique application of 3D finite-element analysis (FEA), to model the feeding mechanics of L. polyphemus and S. inexpectans: the first such analyses of a modern horseshoe crab and a fossil arthropod. Results show that mechanical performance of the feeding appendages in both arthropods is remarkably similar, suggesting that S. inexpectans had similar shell-crushing capabilities to L. polyphemus This biomechanical solution to processing shelly food therefore has a history extending over 500 Myr, arising soon after the first shell-bearing animals. Arrival of durophagous predators during the early phase of animal evolution undoubtedly fuelled the Cambrian 'arms race' that involved a rapid increase in diversity, disparity and abundance of biomineralized prey species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell D C Bicknell
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia .,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Justin A Ledogar
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.,Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Benjamin C Gutzler
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Winsor H Watson
- Department of Biological Sciences and School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - John R Paterson
- Palaeoscience Research Centre, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
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25
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Klinkhamer AJ, Mallison H, Poropat SF, Sinapius GH, Wroe S. Three‐Dimensional Musculoskeletal Modeling of the Sauropodomorph Hind Limb: The Effect of Postural Change on Muscle Leverage. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 301:2145-2163. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ada J. Klinkhamer
- Function, Evolution, and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queenland Australia
| | | | - Stephen F. Poropat
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queenland Australia
- Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Technology Swinburne University of Technology Hawthorn Victoria Australia
| | - George H.K. Sinapius
- Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History Winton Queenland Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution, and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science University of New England Armidale New South Wales Australia
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26
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Attard MR, Sherratt E, McDonald P, Young I, Vidal-García M, Wroe S. A new, three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach to assess egg shape. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5052. [PMID: 29967731 PMCID: PMC6026453 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper proposes a new methodology to quantify patterns of egg shape variation using geometric morphometrics of three-dimensional landmarks captured on digitally reconstructed eggshells and demonstrates its performance in capturing shape variation at multiple biological levels. This methodology offers unique benefits to complement established linear measurement or two-dimensional (2D) contour profiling techniques by (i) providing a more precise representation of eggshell curvature by accounting for variation across the entire surface of the egg; (ii) avoids the occurrence of correlations from combining multiple egg shape features; (iii) avoids error stemming from projecting a highly-curved three-dimensional (3D) object into 2D space; and (iv) enables integration into 3D workflows such as finite elements analysis. To demonstrate, we quantify patterns of egg shape variation and estimate morphological disparity at multiple biological levels, within and between clutches and among species of four passerine species of different lineages, using volumetric dataset obtained from micro computed tomography. The results indicate that species broadly have differently shaped eggs, but with extensive within-species variation so that all four-focal species occupy a range of shapes. Within-species variation is attributed to between-clutch differences in egg shape; within-clutch variation is surprisingly substantial. Recent comparative analyses that aim to explain shape variation among avian taxa have largely ignored potential biases due to within-species variation, or use methods limited to a narrow range of egg shapes. Through our approach, we suggest that there is appreciable variation in egg shape across clutches and that this variation needs to be accounted for in future research. The approach developed in this study to assess variation in shape is freely accessible and can be applied to any spherical-to-conical shaped object, including eggs of non-avian dinosaurs and reptiles through to other extant taxa such as poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R.G. Attard
- Zoology Department, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK
| | - Emma Sherratt
- Zoology Department, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Paul McDonald
- Zoology Department, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Iain Young
- Zoology Department, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marta Vidal-García
- Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Department, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
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27
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Veitschegger K, Wilson LAB, Nussberger B, Camenisch G, Keller LF, Wroe S, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Resurrecting Darwin's Niata - anatomical, biomechanical, genetic, and morphometric studies of morphological novelty in cattle. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9129. [PMID: 29904085 PMCID: PMC6002398 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27384-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The Niata was a cattle variety from South America that figured prominently in writings on evolution by Charles Darwin. Its shortened head and other aspects of its unusual morphology have been subject of unsettled discussions since Darwin’s time. Here, we examine the anatomy, cranial shape, skull biomechanics, and population genetics of the Niata. Our results show that the Niata was a viable variety of cattle and exhibited anatomical differences to known chondrodysplastic forms. In cranial shape and genetic analysis, the Niata occupies an isolated position clearly separated from other cattle. Computational biomechanical model comparison reveals that the shorter face of the Niata resulted in a restricted distribution and lower magnitude of stress during biting. Morphological and genetic data illustrate the acquisition of novelty in the domestication process and confirm the distinct nature of the Niata cattle, validating Darwin’s view that it was a true breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristof Veitschegger
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Beatrice Nussberger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Glauco Camenisch
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lukas F Keller
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zoological Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Department of Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
| | - Marcelo R Sánchez-Villagra
- Palaeontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Neaux D, Sansalone G, Ledogar JA, Heins Ledogar S, Luk TH, Wroe S. Basicranium and face: Assessing the impact of morphological integration on primate evolution. J Hum Evol 2018; 118:43-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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29
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Wroe S, Parr WCH, Ledogar JA, Bourke J, Evans SP, Fiorenza L, Benazzi S, Hublin JJ, Stringer C, Kullmer O, Curry M, Rae TC, Yokley TR. Computer simulations show that Neanderthal facial morphology represents adaptation to cold and high energy demands, but not heavy biting. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 285:20180085. [PMID: 29618551 PMCID: PMC5904316 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Three adaptive hypotheses have been forwarded to explain the distinctive Neanderthal face: (i) an improved ability to accommodate high anterior bite forces, (ii) more effective conditioning of cold and/or dry air and, (iii) adaptation to facilitate greater ventilatory demands. We test these hypotheses using three-dimensional models of Neanderthals, modern humans, and a close outgroup (Homo heidelbergensis), applying finite-element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is the most comprehensive application of either approach applied to date and the first to include both. FEA reveals few differences between H. heidelbergensis, modern humans, and Neanderthals in their capacities to sustain high anterior tooth loadings. CFD shows that the nasal cavities of Neanderthals and especially modern humans condition air more efficiently than does that of H. heidelbergensis, suggesting that both evolved to better withstand cold and/or dry climates than less derived Homo We further find that Neanderthals could move considerably more air through the nasal pathway than could H. heidelbergensis or modern humans, consistent with the propositions that, relative to our outgroup Homo, Neanderthal facial morphology evolved to reflect improved capacities to better condition cold, dry air, and, to move greater air volumes in response to higher energetic requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - William C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (SORL), Level 1, Clinical Sciences Bld, Gate 6, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Avoca St, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Justin A Ledogar
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Jason Bourke
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Samuel P Evans
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia
| | - Luca Fiorenza
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Stefano Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna, Via degli Ariani 1, Ravenna 48121, Italy
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jean-Jacques Hublin
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chris Stringer
- Department of Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Ottmar Kullmer
- Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut Frankfurt am Main, Abteilung Paläoanthropologie und Messelforschung, Sektion Tertiäre Säugetiere, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Curry
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Lab, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Todd C Rae
- Centre for Research in Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Todd R Yokley
- Metropolitan State University of Denver, PO Box 173362, Campus Box 28, Denver, CO 80217-3362, USA
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Ledogar JA, Luk THY, Perry JMG, Neaux D, Wroe S. Biting mechanics and niche separation in a specialized clade of primate seed predators. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190689. [PMID: 29324822 PMCID: PMC5764286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed feeding biomechanics in pitheciine monkeys (Pithecia, Chiropotes, Cacajao), a clade that specializes on hard-husked unripe fruit (sclerocarpy) and resistant seeds (seed predation). We tested the hypothesis that pitheciine crania are well-suited to generate and withstand forceful canine and molar biting, with the prediction that they generate bite forces more efficiently and better resist masticatory strains than the closely-related Callicebus, which does not specialize on unripe fruits and/or seeds. We also tested the hypothesis that Callicebus-Pithecia-Chiropotes-Cacajao represent a morphocline of increasing sclerocarpic specialization with respect to biting leverage and craniofacial strength, consistent with anterior dental morphology. We found that pitheciines have higher biting leverage than Callicebus and are generally more resistant to masticatory strain. However, Cacajao was found to experience high strain magnitudes in some facial regions. We therefore found limited support for the morphocline hypothesis, at least with respect to the mechanical performance metrics examined here. Biting leverage in Cacajao was nearly identical (or slightly less than) in Chiropotes and strain magnitudes during canine biting were more likely to follow a Cacajao-Chiropotes-Pithecia trend of increasing strength, in contrast to the proposed morphocline. These results could indicate that bite force efficiency and derived anterior teeth were selected for in pitheciines at the expense of increased strain magnitudes. However, our results for Cacajao potentially reflect reduced feeding competition offered by allopatry with other pitheciines, which allows Cacajao species to choose from a wider variety of fruits at various stages of ripeness, leading to reduction in the selection for robust facial features. We also found that feeding biomechanics in sympatric Pithecia and Chiropotes are consistent with data on food structural properties and observations of dietary niche separation, with the former being well-suited for the regular molar crushing of hard seeds and the latter better adapted for breaching hard fruits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Ledogar
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Theodora H. Y. Luk
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan M. G. Perry
- Center for Functional Anatomy and Evolution, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dimitri Neaux
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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31
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Neaux D, Bienvenu T, Guy F, Daver G, Sansalone G, Ledogar JA, Rae TC, Wroe S, Brunet M. Relationship between foramen magnum position and locomotion in extant and extinct hominoids. J Hum Evol 2017; 113:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Davies TG, Rahman IA, Lautenschlager S, Cunningham JA, Asher RJ, Barrett PM, Bates KT, Bengtson S, Benson RBJ, Boyer DM, Braga J, Bright JA, Claessens LPAM, Cox PG, Dong XP, Evans AR, Falkingham PL, Friedman M, Garwood RJ, Goswami A, Hutchinson JR, Jeffery NS, Johanson Z, Lebrun R, Martínez-Pérez C, Marugán-Lobón J, O'Higgins PM, Metscher B, Orliac M, Rowe TB, Rücklin M, Sánchez-Villagra MR, Shubin NH, Smith SY, Starck JM, Stringer C, Summers AP, Sutton MD, Walsh SA, Weisbecker V, Witmer LM, Wroe S, Yin Z, Rayfield EJ, Donoghue PCJ. Open data and digital morphology. Proc Biol Sci 2017; 284:rspb.2017.0194. [PMID: 28404779 PMCID: PMC5394671 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the development of methods for visualizing and analysing specimens digitally, in three and even four dimensions, has transformed the study of living and fossil organisms. However, the initial promise that the widespread application of such methods would facilitate access to the underlying digital data has not been fully achieved. The underlying datasets for many published studies are not readily or freely available, introducing a barrier to verification and reproducibility, and the reuse of data. There is no current agreement or policy on the amount and type of data that should be made available alongside studies that use, and in some cases are wholly reliant on, digital morphology. Here, we propose a set of recommendations for minimum standards and additional best practice for three-dimensional digital data publication, and review the issues around data storage, management and accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Davies
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Imran A Rahman
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PW, UK
| | - Stephan Lautenschlager
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - John A Cunningham
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Robert J Asher
- Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Paul M Barrett
- Dept. Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Karl T Bates
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Stefan Bengtson
- Dept. Palaeobiology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, PO Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roger B J Benson
- Dept. Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3AN, UK
| | - Doug M Boyer
- Dept. Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, PO Box 90383, Biological Sciences Building, 130 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - José Braga
- Computer-assisted Palaeoanthropology Team, UMR 5288 CNRS-Université de Toulouse (Paul Sabatier), Toulouse, France.,Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jen A Bright
- School of Geosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.,Center for Virtualization and Applied Spatial Technologies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | | | - Philip G Cox
- Dept. Archaeology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Xi-Ping Dong
- School of Earth and Space Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Alistair R Evans
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peter L Falkingham
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matt Friedman
- Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences and Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Russell J Garwood
- Dept. Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK.,School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Anjali Goswami
- Dept. Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and Dept. Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London SW17 7PL, UK
| | - John R Hutchinson
- Structure and Motion Lab, Dept. Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Nathan S Jeffery
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK
| | - Zerina Johanson
- Dept. Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Renaud Lebrun
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, CC64, Université de Montpellier, campus Triolet, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Carlos Martínez-Pérez
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,Institut Cavanilles de Biodiversitat i Biologia Evolutiva, Universitat de Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Jesús Marugán-Lobón
- Unidad de Paleontología, Dpto. Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Cantoblanco, Spain
| | - Paul M O'Higgins
- Dept. Archaeology and Hull York Medical School, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Brian Metscher
- Dept. Theoretical Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, 1090, Austria
| | - Maëva Orliac
- Institut des Sciences de l'Evolution de Montpellier, CC64, Université de Montpellier, campus Triolet, Place Eugène Bataillon, 34095 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Timothy B Rowe
- Jackson School of Geosciences C1100, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Martin Rücklin
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Postbus 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcelo R Sánchez-Villagra
- Paläontologisches Institut und Museum der Universität Zürich, Karl Schmid Strasse 4, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Neil H Shubin
- Dept. Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Selena Y Smith
- Dept. Earth and Environmental Sciences and Museum of Paleontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - J Matthias Starck
- Dept. Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Großhadernerstr. 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Chris Stringer
- Dept. Earth Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Adam P Summers
- University of Washington, Friday Harbor Labs, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - Mark D Sutton
- Dept. Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Stig A Walsh
- National Museums Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF, UK
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Lawrence M Witmer
- Dept. Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
| | - Zongjun Yin
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK.,State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, People's Republic of China
| | - Emily J Rayfield
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Philip C J Donoghue
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, Life Sciences Building, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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Attard MRG, Wilson LAB, Worthy TH, Scofield P, Johnston P, Parr WCH, Wroe S. Moa diet fits the bill: virtual reconstruction incorporating mummified remains and prediction of biomechanical performance in avian giants. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:rspb.2015.2043. [PMID: 26763698 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The moa (Dinornithiformes) are large to gigantic extinct terrestrial birds of New Zealand. Knowledge about niche partitioning, feeding mode and preference among moa species is limited, hampering palaeoecological reconstruction and evaluation of the impacts of their extinction on remnant native biota, or the viability of exotic species as proposed ecological 'surrogates'. Here we apply three-dimensional finite-element analysis to compare the biomechanical performance of skulls from five of the six moa genera, and two extant ratites, to predict the range of moa feeding behaviours relative to each other and to living relatives. Mechanical performance during biting was compared using simulations of the birds clipping twigs based on muscle reconstruction of mummified moa remains. Other simulated food acquisition strategies included lateral shaking, pullback and dorsoventral movement of the skull. We found evidence for limited overlap in biomechanical performance between the extant emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) and extinct upland moa (Megalapteryx didinus) based on similarities in mandibular stress distribution in two loading cases, but overall our findings suggest that moa species exploited their habitats in different ways, relative to both each other and extant ratites. The broad range of feeding strategies used by moa, as inferred from interspecific differences in biomechanical performance of the skull, provides insight into mechanisms that facilitated high diversities of these avian herbivores in prehistoric New Zealand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R G Attard
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Laura A B Wilson
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Trevor H Worthy
- School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia
| | - Paul Scofield
- Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
| | - Peter Johnston
- Department of Anatomy, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - William C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research Laboratory, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia
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Ramírez-Chaves HE, Weisbecker V, Wroe S, Phillips MJ. Resolving the evolution of the mammalian middle ear using Bayesian inference. Front Zool 2016; 13:39. [PMID: 27563341 PMCID: PMC4997658 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-016-0171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The minute, finely-tuned ear ossicles of mammals arose through a spectacular evolutionary transformation from their origins as a load-bearing jaw joint. This involved detachment from the postdentary trough of the mandible, and final separation from the dentary through resorption of Meckel's cartilage. Recent parsimony analyses of modern and fossil mammals imply up to seven independent postdentary trough losses or even reversals, which is unexpected given the complexity of these transformations. Here we employ the first model-based, probabilistic analysis of the evolution of the definitive mammalian middle ear, supported by virtual 3D erosion simulations to assess for potential fossil preservation artifacts. RESULTS Our results support a simple, biologically plausible scenario without reversals. The middle ear bones detach from the postdentary trough only twice among mammals, once each in the ancestors of therians and monotremes. Disappearance of Meckel's cartilage occurred independently in numerous lineages from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. This final separation is recapitulated during early development of extant mammals, while the earlier-occurring disappearance of a postdentary trough is not. CONCLUSIONS Our results therefore suggest a developmentally congruent and directional two-step scenario, in which the parallel uncoupling of the auditory and feeding systems in northern and southern hemisphere mammals underpinned further specialization in both lineages. Until ~168 Ma, all known mammals retained attached middle ear bones, yet all groups that diversified from ~163 Ma onwards had lost the postdentary trough, emphasizing the adaptive significance of this transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor E Ramírez-Chaves
- University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Goddard Building 8 St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Vera Weisbecker
- University of Queensland, School of Biological Sciences, Goddard Building 8 St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Division of Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351 Australia
| | - Matthew J Phillips
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia
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Ledogar JA, Dechow PC, Wang Q, Gharpure PH, Gordon AD, Baab KL, Smith AL, Weber GW, Grosse IR, Ross CF, Richmond BG, Wright BW, Byron C, Wroe S, Strait DS. Human feeding biomechanics: performance, variation, and functional constraints. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2242. [PMID: 27547550 PMCID: PMC4975005 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of the modern human (Homo sapiens) cranium is characterized by a reduction in the size of the feeding system, including reductions in the size of the facial skeleton, postcanine teeth, and the muscles involved in biting and chewing. The conventional view hypothesizes that gracilization of the human feeding system is related to a shift toward eating foods that were less mechanically challenging to consume and/or foods that were processed using tools before being ingested. This hypothesis predicts that human feeding systems should not be well-configured to produce forceful bites and that the cranium should be structurally weak. An alternate hypothesis, based on the observation that humans have mechanically efficient jaw adductors, states that the modern human face is adapted to generate and withstand high biting forces. We used finite element analysis (FEA) to test two opposing mechanical hypotheses: that compared to our closest living relative, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), the modern human craniofacial skeleton is (1) less well configured, or (2) better configured to generate and withstand high magnitude bite forces. We considered intraspecific variation in our examination of human feeding biomechanics by examining a sample of geographically diverse crania that differed notably in shape. We found that our biomechanical models of human crania had broadly similar mechanical behavior despite their shape variation and were, on average, less structurally stiff than the crania of chimpanzees during unilateral biting when loaded with physiologically-scaled muscle loads. Our results also show that modern humans are efficient producers of bite force, consistent with previous analyses. However, highly tensile reaction forces were generated at the working (biting) side jaw joint during unilateral molar bites in which the chewing muscles were recruited with bilateral symmetry. In life, such a configuration would have increased the risk of joint dislocation and constrained the maximum recruitment levels of the masticatory muscles on the balancing (non-biting) side of the head. Our results do not necessarily conflict with the hypothesis that anterior tooth (incisors, canines, premolars) biting could have been selectively important in humans, although the reduced size of the premolars in humans has been shown to increase the risk of tooth crown fracture. We interpret our results to suggest that human craniofacial evolution was probably not driven by selection for high magnitude unilateral biting, and that increased masticatory muscle efficiency in humans is likely to be a secondary byproduct of selection for some function unrelated to forceful biting behaviors. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that a shift to softer foods and/or the innovation of pre-oral food processing techniques relaxed selective pressures maintaining craniofacial features that favor forceful biting and chewing behaviors, leading to the characteristically small and gracile faces of modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Ledogar
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States
| | - Paul C. Dechow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Poorva H. Gharpure
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Adam D. Gordon
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States
| | - Karen L. Baab
- Department of Anatomy, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States
| | - Amanda L. Smith
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Gerhard W. Weber
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ian R. Grosse
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Callum F. Ross
- Department of Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Brian G. Richmond
- Division of Anthropology, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States
- Department of Human Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Barth W. Wright
- Department of Anatomy, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
| | - Craig Byron
- Department of Biology, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, United States
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David S. Strait
- Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, United States
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
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Parr WCH, Wilson LAB, Wroe S, Colman NJ, Crowther MS, Letnic M. Cranial Shape and the Modularity of Hybridization in Dingoes and Dogs; Hybridization Does Not Spell the End for Native Morphology. Evol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11692-016-9371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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McCurry MR, Mahony M, Clausen PD, Quayle MR, Walmsley CW, Jessop TS, Wroe S, Richards H, McHenry CR. The relationship between cranial structure, biomechanical performance and ecological diversity in varanoid lizards. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0130625. [PMID: 26106889 PMCID: PMC4479569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0130625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Skull structure is intimately associated with feeding ability in vertebrates, both in terms of specific performance measures and general ecological characteristics. This study quantitatively assessed variation in the shape of the cranium and mandible in varanoid lizards, and its relationship to structural performance (von Mises strain) and interspecific differences in feeding ecology. Geometric morphometric and linear morphometric analyses were used to evaluate morphological differences, and finite element analysis was used to quantify variation in structural performance (strain during simulated biting, shaking and pulling). This data was then integrated with ecological classes compiled from relevant scientific literature on each species in order to establish structure-function relationships. Finite element modelling results showed that variation in cranial morphology resulted in large differences in the magnitudes and locations of strain in biting, shaking and pulling load cases. Gracile species such as Varanus salvadorii displayed high strain levels during shaking, especially in the areas between the orbits. All models exhibit less strain during pull back loading compared to shake loading, even though a larger force was applied (pull =30N, shake = 20N). Relationships were identified between the morphology, performance, and ecology. Species that did not feed on hard prey clustered in the gracile region of cranial morphospace and exhibited significantly higher levels of strain during biting (P = 0.0106). Species that fed on large prey clustered in the elongate area of mandible morphospace. This relationship differs from those that have been identified in other taxonomic groups such as crocodiles and mammals. This difference may be due to a combination of the open 'space-frame' structure of the varanoid lizard skull, and the 'pull back' behaviour that some species use for processing large prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. McCurry
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Geosciences, Museum Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Mahony
- School of Environmental and Life Science, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | - Michelle R. Quayle
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Tim S. Jessop
- Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- The Function, Evolution & Anatomy Research Lab, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
| | - Heather Richards
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Colin R. McHenry
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Fiorenza L, Benazzi S, Henry AG, Salazar-García DC, Blasco R, Picin A, Wroe S, Kullmer O. To meat or not to meat? New perspectives on Neanderthal ecology. Am J Phys Anthropol 2014; 156 Suppl 59:43-71. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fiorenza
- Earth Sciences, University of New England; Armidale NSW 2351 Australia
| | - Stefano Benazzi
- Department of Cultural Heritage; University of Bologna; Ravenna 48121 Italy
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig 04103 Germany
| | - Amanda G. Henry
- Plant Foods in Hominin Dietary Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig 04103 Germany
| | - Domingo C. Salazar-García
- Department of Human Evolution; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig 04103 Germany
- Plant Foods in Hominin Dietary Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology; Leipzig 04103 Germany
- Department of Archaeology; University of Cape Town; 7700 Rondebosch South Africa
- Department de Prehistòria i Arqueologia; Universitat de València; Valencia 46010 Spain
| | - Ruth Blasco
- The Gibraltar Museum, 18-20 Bomb House Lane; PO Box 939 Gibraltar
| | - Andrea Picin
- Department of Prehistory and Early History; Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena; Jena 07743 Germany
- Neanderthal Museum; Mettmann 40822 Germany
- Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució Social (IPHES); Tarragona 43007 Spain
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Zoology, University of New England; Armidale NSW 2351 Australia
| | - Ottmar Kullmer
- Senckenberg Research Institute; 60325 Frankfurt am Main Hessen Germany
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Aquilina P, Parr WCH, Chamoli U, Wroe S. Finite element analysis of patient-specific condyle fracture plates: a preliminary study. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2014; 8:111-6. [PMID: 26000081 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1395385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Various patterns of internal fixation of mandibular condyle fractures have been proposed in the literature. This study investigates the stability of two patient-specific implants (PSIs) for the open reduction and internal fixation of a subcondylar fracture of the mandible. A subcondylar fracture of a mandible was simulated by a series of finite element models. These models contained approximately 1.2 million elements, were heterogeneous in bone material properties, and also modeled the muscles of mastication. Models were run assuming linear elasticity and isotropic material properties for bone. The stability and von Mises stresses of the simulated condylar fracture reduced with each of the PSIs were compared. The most stable of the plate configurations examined was PSI 1, which had comparable mechanical performance to a single 2.0 mm straight four-hole plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aquilina
- Department of OMFS, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia ; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Nepean Hospital, Kingswood, Sydney, Australia ; Computational Biomechanics Research Group, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Uphar Chamoli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. George Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia ; School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Computational Biomechanics Research Group, Zoology Division, School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, Australia
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Parr WCH, Soligo C, Smaers J, Chatterjee HJ, Ruto A, Cornish L, Wroe S. Three-dimensional shape variation of talar surface morphology in hominoid primates. J Anat 2014; 225:42-59. [PMID: 24842795 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The hominoid foot is of particular interest to biological anthropologists, as changes in its anatomy through time reflect the adoption of terrestrial locomotion, particularly in species of Australopithecus and Homo. Understanding the osteological morphology associated with changes in whole foot function and the development of the plantar medial longitudinal foot arch are key to understanding the transition through habitual bipedalism in australopithecines to obligate bipedalism and long-distance running in Homo. The talus is ideal for studying relationships between morphology and function in this context, as it is a major contributor to the adduction-abduction, plantar-dorsal flexion and inversion-eversion of the foot, and transmits all forces encountered from the foot to the leg. The talar surface is predominantly covered by articular facets, which have different quantifiable morphological characters, including surface area, surface curvature and orientation. The talus also presents challenges to the investigator, as its globular shape is very difficult to quantify accurately and reproducibly. Here we apply a three-dimensional approach using type 3 landmarks (slid semilandmarks) that are geometrically homologous to determine overall talar shape variations in a range of living and fossil hominoid taxa. Additionally, we use novel approaches to quantify the relative orientations and curvatures of talar articular facets by determining the principal vectors of facet orientation and fitting spheres to articular facets. The resulting metrics are analysed using phylogenetic regressions and principal components analyses. Our results suggest that articular surface curvatures reflect locomotor specialisations with, in particular, orangutans having more highly curved facets in all but the calcaneal facet. Similarly, our approach to quantifying articular facet orientation appears to be effective in discriminating between extant hominoid species, and may therefore provide a sound basis for the study of fossil taxa and evolution of bipedalism in Australopithecus and Homo.
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Affiliation(s)
- W C H Parr
- Surgical and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Aquilina P, Parr WCH, Chamoli U, Wroe S, Clausen P. A Biomechanical Comparison of Three 1.5-mm Plate and Screw Configurations and a Single 2.0-mm Plate for Internal Fixation of a Mandibular Condylar Fracture. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2014; 7:218-23. [PMID: 25136411 DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1375172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The most stable pattern of internal fixation for mandibular condyle fractures is an area of ongoing discussion. This study investigates the stability of three patterns of plate fixation using readily available, commercially pure titanium implants. Finite element models of a simulated mandibular condyle fracture were constructed. The completed models were heterogeneous in bone material properties, contained approximately 1.2 million elements and incorporated simulated jaw adducting musculature. Models were run assuming linear elasticity and isotropic material properties for bone. No human subjects were involved in this investigation. The stability of the simulated condylar fracture reduced with the different implant configurations, and the von Mises stresses of a 1.5-mm X-shaped plate, a 1.5-mm rectangular plate, and a 1.5-mm square plate (all Synthes (Synthes GmbH, Zuchwil, Switzerland) were compared. The 1.5-mm X plate was the most stable of the three 1.5-mm profile plate configurations examined and had comparable mechanical performance to a single 2.0-mm straight four-hole plate. This study does not support the use of rectangular or square plate patterns in the open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condyle fractures. It does provide some support for the use of a 1.5-mm X plate to reduce condylar fractures in selected clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Aquilina
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William C H Parr
- Computational Biomechanics Research Group, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Uphar Chamoli
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Spine Service, St. George Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Division of Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Science, Armidale, Australia
| | - Philip Clausen
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Attard MRG, Parr WCH, Wilson LAB, Archer M, Hand SJ, Rogers TL, Wroe S. Virtual reconstruction and prey size preference in the mid Cenozoic thylacinid, Nimbacinus dicksoni (Thylacinidae, Marsupialia). PLoS One 2014; 9:e93088. [PMID: 24718109 PMCID: PMC3981708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Thylacinidae is an extinct family of Australian and New Guinean marsupial carnivores, comprizing 12 known species, the oldest of which are late Oligocene (∼24 Ma) in age. Except for the recently extinct thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus), most are known from fragmentary craniodental material only, limiting the scope of biomechanical and ecological studies. However, a particularly well-preserved skull of the fossil species Nimbacinus dicksoni, has been recovered from middle Miocene (∼16-11.6 Ma) deposits in the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, northwestern Queensland. Here, we ask whether N. dicksoni was more similar to its recently extinct relative or to several large living marsupials in a key aspect of feeding ecology, i.e., was N. dicksoni a relatively small or large prey specialist. To address this question we have digitally reconstructed its skull and applied three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis to compare its mechanical performance with that of three extant marsupial carnivores and T. cynocephalus. Under loadings adjusted for differences in size that simulated forces generated by both jaw closing musculature and struggling prey, we found that stress distributions and magnitudes in the skull of N. dicksoni were more similar to those of the living spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) than to its recently extinct relative. Considering the Finite Element Analysis results and dental morphology, we predict that N. dicksoni likely occupied a broadly similar ecological niche to that of D. maculatus, and was likely capable of hunting vertebrate prey that may have exceeded its own body mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie R. G. Attard
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - William C. H. Parr
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Laura A. B. Wilson
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Archer
- Evolution of Earth and Life Sciences Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne J. Hand
- Evolution of Earth and Life Sciences Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tracey L. Rogers
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Wroe
- Function, Evolution and Anatomy Research laboratory, Zoology, School of Environmental and Rural Sciences, University of New England, New South Wales, Australia
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Lawn BR, Bush MB, Barani A, Constantino PJ, Wroe S. Inferring biological evolution from fracture patterns in teeth. J Theor Biol 2013; 338:59-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2013.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 08/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Wroe S, Chamoli U, Parr WCH, Clausen P, Ridgely R, Witmer L. Comparative Biomechanical Modeling of Metatherian and Placental Saber-Tooths: A Different Kind of Bite for an Extreme Pouched Predator. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66888. [PMID: 23840547 PMCID: PMC3694156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Questions surrounding the dramatic morphology of saber-tooths, and the presumably deadly purpose to which it was put, have long excited scholarly and popular attention. Among saber-toothed species, the iconic North American placental, Smilodon fatalis, and the bizarre South American sparassodont, Thylacosmilus atrox, represent extreme forms commonly forwarded as examples of convergent evolution. For S. fatalis, some consensus has been reached on the question of killing behaviour, with most researchers accepting the canine-shear bite hypothesis, wherein both head-depressing and jaw closing musculatures played a role in delivery of the fatal bite. However, whether, or to what degree, T. atrox may have applied a similar approach remains an open question. Here we apply a three-dimensional computational approach to examine convergence in mechanical performance between the two species. We find that, in many respects, the placental S. fatalis (a true felid) was more similar to the metatherian T. atrox than to a conical-toothed cat. In modeling of both saber-tooths we found that jaw-adductor-driven bite forces were low, but that simulations invoking neck musculature revealed less cranio-mandibular stress than in a conical-toothed cat. However, our study also revealed differences between the two saber-tooths likely reflected in the modus operandi of the kill. Jaw-adductor-driven bite forces were extremely weak in T. atrox, and its skull was even better-adapted to resist stress induced by head-depressors. Considered together with the fact that the center of the arc described by the canines was closer to the jaw-joint in Smilodon, our results are consistent with both jaw-closing and neck musculature playing a role in prey dispatch for the placental, as has been previously suggested. However, for T. atrox, we conclude that the jaw-adductors probably played no major part in the killing bite. We propose that the metatherian presents a more complete commitment to the already extreme saber-tooth 'lifestyle'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Wroe
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Uphar Chamoli
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- St. George Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William C. H. Parr
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip Clausen
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan Ridgely
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Lawrence Witmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio, United States of America
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Aquilina P, Chamoli U, Parr WC, Clausen PD, Wroe S. Finite element analysis of three patterns of internal fixation of fractures of the mandibular condyle. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2013; 51:326-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Walmsley CW, Smits PD, Quayle MR, McCurry MR, Richards HS, Oldfield CC, Wroe S, Clausen PD, McHenry CR. Why the long face? The mechanics of mandibular symphysis proportions in crocodiles. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53873. [PMID: 23342027 PMCID: PMC3547052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crocodilians exhibit a spectrum of rostral shape from long snouted (longirostrine), through to short snouted (brevirostrine) morphologies. The proportional length of the mandibular symphysis correlates consistently with rostral shape, forming as much as 50% of the mandible’s length in longirostrine forms, but 10% in brevirostrine crocodilians. Here we analyse the structural consequences of an elongate mandibular symphysis in relation to feeding behaviours. Methods/Principal Findings Simple beam and high resolution Finite Element (FE) models of seven species of crocodile were analysed under loads simulating biting, shaking and twisting. Using beam theory, we statistically compared multiple hypotheses of which morphological variables should control the biomechanical response. Brevi- and mesorostrine morphologies were found to consistently outperform longirostrine types when subject to equivalent biting, shaking and twisting loads. The best predictors of performance for biting and twisting loads in FE models were overall length and symphyseal length respectively; for shaking loads symphyseal length and a multivariate measurement of shape (PC1– which is strongly but not exclusively correlated with symphyseal length) were equally good predictors. Linear measurements were better predictors than multivariate measurements of shape in biting and twisting loads. For both biting and shaking loads but not for twisting, simple beam models agree with best performance predictors in FE models. Conclusions/Significance Combining beam and FE modelling allows a priori hypotheses about the importance of morphological traits on biomechanics to be statistically tested. Short mandibular symphyses perform well under loads used for feeding upon large prey, but elongate symphyses incur high strains under equivalent loads, underlining the structural constraints to prey size in the longirostrine morphotype. The biomechanics of the crocodilian mandible are largely consistent with beam theory and can be predicted from simple morphological measurements, suggesting that crocodilians are a useful model for investigating the palaeobiomechanics of other aquatic tetrapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Walmsley
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Evans SP, Parr WCH, Clausen PD, Jones A, Wroe S. Finite element analysis of a micromechanical model of bone and a new 3D approach to validation. J Biomech 2012; 45:2702-5. [PMID: 22954713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is now widely used to analyse the mechanical behaviour of bone structures. Ideally, simulations are validated against experimental data. To date, validation of Finite Element Models (FEMs) has been 2 Dimensional (2D) only, being based on comparison with surface-mounted strain gauge readings. In this study we present a novel 3-Dimensional (3D) approach to validation that allows comparison of modelled with experimental results between any two points in 3D space throughout the structure, providing magnitude and direction data for comparison, internally and externally. Specifically, we validate a FEM of a rat tibia, including trabecular network geometry, using a material testing stage housed within a microCT scanner. We further apply novel landmark based morphometric approaches to more effectively compare modelled and experimental results. 542 landmark points on the cortical and trabecular bone surfaces of the model were selected and validated in 3D against experimental data. This approach may hold considerable potential in fields wherein a better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of trabecular networks is important, e.g., the studies of osteoporosis and trabecular loss after orthopaedic implant insertion.
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Affiliation(s)
- S P Evans
- School of Engineering, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW 2038, Australia.
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Curnoe D, Xueping J, Herries AIR, Kanning B, Taçon PSC, Zhende B, Fink D, Yunsheng Z, Hellstrom J, Yun L, Cassis G, Bing S, Wroe S, Shi H, Parr WCH, Shengmin H, Rogers N. Human remains from the Pleistocene-Holocene transition of southwest China suggest a complex evolutionary history for East Asians. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31918. [PMID: 22431968 PMCID: PMC3303470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Later Pleistocene human evolution in East Asia remains poorly understood owing to a scarcity of well described, reliably classified and accurately dated fossils. Southwest China has been identified from genetic research as a hotspot of human diversity, containing ancient mtDNA and Y-DNA lineages, and has yielded a number of human remains thought to derive from Pleistocene deposits. We have prepared, reconstructed, described and dated a new partial skull from a consolidated sediment block collected in 1979 from the site of Longlin Cave (Guangxi Province). We also undertook new excavations at Maludong (Yunnan Province) to clarify the stratigraphy and dating of a large sample of mostly undescribed human remains from the site. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We undertook a detailed comparison of cranial, including a virtual endocast for the Maludong calotte, mandibular and dental remains from these two localities. Both samples probably derive from the same population, exhibiting an unusual mixture of modern human traits, characters probably plesiomorphic for later Homo, and some unusual features. We dated charcoal with AMS radiocarbon dating and speleothem with the Uranium-series technique and the results show both samples to be from the Pleistocene-Holocene transition: ∼14.3-11.5 ka. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our analysis suggests two plausible explanations for the morphology sampled at Longlin Cave and Maludong. First, it may represent a late-surviving archaic population, perhaps paralleling the situation seen in North Africa as indicated by remains from Dar-es-Soltane and Temara, and maybe also in southern China at Zhirendong. Alternatively, East Asia may have been colonised during multiple waves during the Pleistocene, with the Longlin-Maludong morphology possibly reflecting deep population substructure in Africa prior to modern humans dispersing into Eurasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Curnoe
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail: (DC); (JX)
| | - Ji Xueping
- Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archeology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Archeology Research Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- * E-mail: (DC); (JX)
| | - Andy I. R. Herries
- Archaeomagnetism Laboratory, Archaeology Program, School of Historical and European Studies, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bai Kanning
- Honghe Prefectural Institute of Cultural Relics, Mengzi, Yunnan, China
| | - Paul S. C. Taçon
- Place, Evolution and Rock Art Heritage Unit, School of Humanities, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bao Zhende
- Mengzi Institute of Cultural Relics, Mengzi, Yunnan, China
| | - David Fink
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zhu Yunsheng
- Honghe Prefectural Institute of Cultural Relics, Mengzi, Yunnan, China
| | - John Hellstrom
- School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luo Yun
- Mengzi Institute of Cultural Relics, Mengzi, Yunnan, China
| | - Gerasimos Cassis
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Su Bing
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology and Kunming Primate Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Stephen Wroe
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology and Kunming Primate Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - William C. H. Parr
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Natalie Rogers
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Alner K, Hyare H, Mead S, Rudge P, Wroe S, Rohrer JD, Ridgway GR, Ourselin S, Clarkson M, Hunt H, Fox NC, Webb T, Collinge J, Cipolotti L. Distinct neuropsychological profiles correspond to distribution of cortical thinning in inherited prion disease caused by insertional mutation. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012; 83:109-14. [PMID: 21849340 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2011-300167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human prion diseases are a group of universally fatal neurodegenerative disorders associated with the auto-catalytic misfolding of the normal cell surface prion protein (PrP). Mutations causative of inherited human prion disease (IPD) include an insertion of six additional octapeptide repeats (6-OPRI) and a missense mutation (P102L) with large families segregating for each mutation residing in southern England. Here we report for the first time the neuropsychological and clinical assessments in these two groups. METHOD The cognitive profiles addressing all major domains were obtained for 26 patients (18 6-OPRI, 8 P102L) and the cortical thickness determined using 1.5T MRI in a subset of 10 (six 6-OPRI, four P102L). RESULTS The cognitive profiles were different in patients with the two mutations in the symptomatic phase of the disease. The 6-OPRI group had lower premorbid optimal levels of functioning (assessed on the NART) than the P102L group. In the symptomatic phase of the disease the 6-OPRI patients had significantly more executive dysfunction than the P102L group and were more impaired on tests of perception and nominal functions. There was anecdotal evidence of low premorbid social performance in the 6-OPRI but not P102L patients. Cortical thinning distribution correlated with the neuropsychological profile in the 6-OPRI group principally involving the parietal, occipital and posterior frontal regions. The small number of patients in the P102L group precluded statistical comparison between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The 6-OPRI patients had more widespread and severe cognitive dysfunction than the P102L group and this correlated with cortical thinning distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Alner
- National Prion Clinic, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
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D'Amore DC, Moreno K, McHenry CR, Wroe S. The effects of biting and pulling on the forces generated during feeding in the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis). PLoS One 2011; 6:e26226. [PMID: 22028837 PMCID: PMC3197624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to biting, it has been speculated that the forces resulting from pulling on food items may also contribute to feeding success in carnivorous vertebrates. We present an in vivo analysis of both bite and pulling forces in Varanus komodoensis, the Komodo dragon, to determine how they contribute to feeding behavior. Observations of cranial modeling and behavior suggest that V. komodoensis feeds using bite force supplemented by pulling in the caudal/ventrocaudal direction. We tested these observations using force gauges/transducers to measure biting and pulling forces. Maximum bite force correlates with both body mass and total body length, likely due to increased muscle mass. Individuals showed consistent behaviors when biting, including the typical medial-caudal head rotation. Pull force correlates best with total body length, longer limbs and larger postcranial motions. None of these forces correlated well with head dimensions. When pulling, V. komodoensis use neck and limb movements that are associated with increased caudal and ventral oriented force. Measured bite force in Varanus komodoensis is similar to several previous estimations based on 3D models, but is low for its body mass relative to other vertebrates. Pull force, especially in the ventrocaudal direction, would allow individuals to hunt and deflesh with high success without the need of strong jaw adductors. In future studies, pull forces need to be considered for a complete understanding of vertebrate carnivore feeding dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenic C D'Amore
- Graduate Program in Ecology and Evolution, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America.
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