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2023-12
Volume 09, issue 04
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ISSN: 2274-0422

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Most cited articles


A 3D geometric morphometric dataset quantifying skeletal variation in birds
Alexander Bjarnason Logo and Roger Benson Logo
Published online: 09/02/2021

Keywords: birds; geometric morphometrics; macroevolution; Morphology; skeleton

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.125

  Abstract

    Macroevolution is integral to understanding the patterns of the diversification of life. As the life sciences increasingly use big data approaches, large multivariate datasets are required to test fundamental macroevolutionary hypotheses. In vertebrate evolution, large datasets have been created to quantify morphological variation, largely focusing on particular areas of the skeleton. We provide a landmarking protocol to quantify morphological variation in skeletal elements across the head, trunk, hindlimb and forelimb using 3-dimensional landmarks and semilandmarks, and present a large pan-skeletal database of bird morphology for 149 taxa across avian phylogeny using CT scan data. This large collection of 3D models and geometric morphometric data is open access and can be used in the future for new research, teaching and outreach. The 3D models and CT scans of the 149 specimens related to this project can be downloaded at MorphoSource (https://www.morphosource.org/projects/00000C420

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Published in Volume 07, issue 01 (2021)

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S.I. Data
Skeletogenesis during the late embryonic development of the catshark Scyliorhinus canicula (Chondrichthyes; Neoselachii)
Sébastien Enault, Sylvain Adnet Logo and Mélanie Debiais-Thibaud Logo
Published online: 25/04/2016

Keywords: Chondrichthyes; development; mineralization; Scyliorhinus canicula; skeleton

https://doi.org/10.18563/m3.1.4.e2

  Abstract

    Current knowledge on the skeletogenesis of Chondrichthyes is scarce compared with their extant sister group, the bony fishes. Most of the previously described developmental tables in Chondrichthyes have focused on embryonic external morphology only. Due to its small body size and relative simplicity to raise eggs in laboratory conditions, the small-spotted catshark Scyliorhinus canicula has emerged as a reference species to describe developmental mechanisms in the Chondrichthyes lineage. Here we investigate the dynamic of mineralization in a set of six embryonic specimens using X-ray microtomography and describe the developing units of both the dermal skeleton (teeth and dermal scales) and endoskeleton (vertebral axis). This preliminary data on skeletogenesis in the catshark sets the first bases to a more complete investigation of the skeletal developmental in Chondrichthyes. It should provide comparison points with data known in osteichthyans and could thus be used in the broader context of gnathostome skeletal evolution. 

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Published in Volume 01, Issue 04 (2016)

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Osteological connexions of the petrosal bone of the extant Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus amphibius and Choeropsis liberiensis
Maëva J. Orliac Logo, Franck Guy Logo and Renaud Lebrun Logo
Published online: 24/10/2014

Keywords: Artiodactyla; bulla; ear region; pygmy hippo; sinus

https://doi.org/10.18563/m3.1.1.e1

  Abstract

    This project presents the osteological connexions of the petrosal bone of the extant Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus amphibius and Choeropsis liberiensis by a virtual osteological dissection of the ear region. The petrosal, the bulla, the sinuses and the major morphological features surrounding the petrosal bone are labelled, both in situ and in an exploded model presenting disassembly views. The directional underwater hearing mode of Hippopotamidae is discussed based on the new observations. 

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Published in Vol. 01, Issue 01 (2015)

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A delphinid petrosal bone from a gravesite on Ahu Tahai, Easter Island: taxonomic attribution, external and internal morphology.
Maëva J. Orliac Logo, Catherine Orliac, Michel C. Orliac and Antoine Hautin
Published online: 31/03/2020

Keywords: bony labyrinth; petrosal; Rapanui; stapes; vestibulo cochlear nerve

https://doi.org/10.18563/journal.m3.91

  Abstract

    In this contribution, we describe the external and internal morphology of a delphinid petrosal bone collected from Ahu Tahai, a burial site located on the Southwestern coast of Easter Island, at Hangaroa. We discuss the taxonomic attribution of this archaeological item and describe its internal structures based on µCT data, including the bony labyrinth and the nerve and vein patterns. Identification of the nerves exists lead us to relocate the identification of the foramen singulare in delphinid petrosals.

      

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Published in Volume 06, issue 02 (2020)

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MicroCT survey of larval skeletal mineralization in the Cuban gar Atractosteus tristoechus (Actinopterygii; Lepisosteiformes)
Raphaël Scherrer Logo, Andrés Hurtado, Erik Garcia Machado Logo and Mélanie Debiais-Thibaud Logo
Published online: 17/05/2017

Keywords: Actinopterygii; development; Lepisosteiformes; mineralization; skeleton

https://doi.org/10.18563/m3.3.3.e3

  Abstract

    Using X-ray microtomography, we describe the ossification events during the larval development of a non-teleost actinopterygian species: the Cuban gar Atractosteus tristoechus from the order Lepisosteiformes. We provide a detailed developmental series for each anatomical structure, covering a large sequence of mineralization events going from an early stage (13 days post-hatching, 21mm total length) to an almost fully ossified larval stage (118dph or 87mm in standard length). With this work, we expect to bring new developmental data to be used in further comparative studies with other lineages of bony vertebrates. We also hope that the on-line publication of these twelve successive 3D reconstructions, fully labelled and flagged, will be an educational tool for all students in comparative anatomy. 

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Published in Volume 03, Issue 03 (2017)

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