Increasing the impact of vertebrate scientific collections through 3D imaging: The openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network

BioScience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 74(3), P. 169 - 186

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract The impact of preserved museum specimens is transforming and increasing by three-dimensional (3D) imaging that creates high-fidelity online digital specimens. Through examples from the openVertebrate (oVert) Thematic Collections Network, we describe how created a digitization community dedicated to shared vision making 3D data available these on broad audience scientists, students, teachers, artists, more. High-fidelity models allow people multiple communities simultaneously access use scientific Based our multiyear, multi-institution project, identify significant technological social hurdles remain for fully realizing potential

Language: Английский

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Endocranial anatomy and phylogenetic position of the crocodylian Eosuchus lerichei from the late Paleocene of northwestern Europe and potential adaptations for transoceanic dispersal in gavialoids

The Anatomical Record, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 308(2), P. 636 - 670

Published: Sept. 3, 2024

Abstract Eosuchus lerichei is a gavialoid crocodylian from late Paleocene marine deposits of northwestern Europe, known skull and lower jaws, as well postcrania. Its sister taxon relationship with the approximately contemporaneous species minor east coast USA has been explained through transoceanic dispersal, indicating capability for salt excretion that absent in extant gavialoids. However, there currently no anatomical evidence to support adaptation extinct Furthermore, placement within Gavialoidea labile, some analyses supporting affinities Late Cretaceous early Paleogene “thoracosaurs.” Here we present novel data on internal external anatomy E. enables revised diagnosis, 6 autapormorphies identified genus 10 features enable differentiation . Our phylogenetic recover an diverging gavialid not part “thoracosaur” group. In addition thickened semi‐circular canal walls endosseous labyrinth paratympanic sinus reduction, identify potential osteological correlates glands surface prefrontal lacrimal bones These potentially provide dispersal , also them Portugalosuchus Given earliest stratigraphically oldest gavialoids either have nasal gland and/or recovered deposits, this suggests capacity might be ancestral Gavialoidea. Mapping geological onto phylogeny indicates was probably more than one independent loss/reduction

Language: Английский

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Neuroanatomy and pneumaticity of the extinct Malagasy “horned” crocodile Voay robustus and its implications for crocodylid phylogeny and palaeoecology

The Anatomical Record, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 307(8), P. 2749 - 2786

Published: Dec. 20, 2023

Abstract Voay robustus , the extinct Malagasy “horned” crocodile, was originally considered to be only crocodylian representative in Madagascar during most part of Holocene. However, remains have had confused taxonomic attributions and recent studies underlined that Crocodylus populations coexisted on island for at least 7500 years. Here, we describe inner braincase anatomy using x‐ray computed tomography four specimens, provide new anatomical information distinguishes from especially features brain endocast paratympanic sinuses. Geometric morphometric analyses are performed 3D models internal organs compare statistically with a subset extant Crocodylidae. Following these comparisons, build an endocranial morphological matrix discuss proposed phylogenetic affinities Osteolaeminae point view. Additionally, use characters systematic find they can major impact analyses. Finally, radiocarbon data subfossil specimens recovered between 2010 2750 cal BP, which confirm cohabitation two species same area long period time. We thus assess several extinction scenarios, propose slightly different ecology compared could allowed habitat partitioning island. Our approach complements obtained previous molecular phylogenies, as well dating, together revealing past diversity faunal turnovers Madagascar.

Language: Английский

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Bioimaging of sense organs and the central nervous system in extant fishes and reptiles in situ: A review

The Anatomical Record, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 2, 2024

Abstract Bioimaging is changing the field of sensory biology, especially for taxa that are lesser‐known, rare, and logistically difficult to source. When integrated with traditional neurobiological approaches, developing an archival, digital repository morphological images can offer opportunity improve our understanding whole neural systems without issues surgical intervention negate risk damage artefactual interpretation. This review focuses on current approaches bioimaging peripheral (sense organs) central (brain) nervous in extant fishes (cartilaginous bony) non‐avian reptiles situ. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro‐computed tomography (μCT), both super‐resolution track density diffusion tensor‐based imaging, a range other new technological advances presented, together novel optimizing contrast resolution, detailed neuroanatomical atlases enhancing comparative analyses museum specimens. For MRI, tissue preparation, including choice fixative, impacts MR responses, where resolving power signal‐to‐noise ratio as strength increases. Time concentration agent, duration immersion agent also significantly affect relaxation times, thus image quality. μCT, use contrast‐enhancing stains (iodine‐, non‐iodine‐, or nanoparticle‐based) critical, type fixative used, stain staining time often require species‐specific optimization. Advanced reconstruction algorithms reduce noise artifacts post‐processing techniques, such deconvolution filtering, now being used quality resolution.

Language: Английский

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Dispatches from the age of crocodiles: New discoveries from ancient lineages

The Anatomical Record, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 305(10), P. 2343 - 2352

Published: Aug. 1, 2022

Abstract Crocodilians inspire researchers and the public alike with their explosive hunting methodologies, distinct craniofacial dental morphology, resplendent fossil record. This special issue highlights recent advances in biology paleontology of this fascinating lineage vertebrates. The authors volume bring crocodylians extinct ancestors to life using a variety approaches including fieldwork, imaging, 3D modeling, developmental biology, physiological monitoring, dissection, host other comparative methods. Our journey begins early crocodylomorphs from Triassic, carries us through radiation crocodyliforms during rest Mesozoic Era, finally celebrates diversification development extant crocodylians. Crocodyliform science has grown appreciably past few decades. New species genetic evidence continue keep phylogenies our understanding relationships wavering key places tree such as marine thalattosuchians well still living like gharials. application imaging modeling both preserved tissues specimens is now revealing patterns brain lung evolution function, growth strategies, feeding locomotor behaviors across lineage. Comparative anatomical studies are offering new data on genitals, cephalic venous drainage thoracoabdominal pressures. discoveries found here only reveal there far more work be done understand behavior responsible for great suchians crocodylian descendants experienced conquest Tertiary ecosystems.

Language: Английский

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The anatomical basis of amphibious hearing in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

The Anatomical Record, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 307(1), P. 198 - 207

Published: June 1, 2023

The different velocities of sound (pressure waves) in air and water make auditory source localization a challenge for amphibious animals. American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has an extracolumellar cartilage that abuts the deep surface tympanic membrane, then expands size beyond caudal margin tympanum. This expansion is insertion site two antagonistic skeletal muscles, tensor tympani, depressor tympani. These muscles function to modulate tension presumably as part well-developed submergence reflex Alligator. All crocodilians, including Alligator, have internally coupled ears which paratympanic sinuses connect contralateral middle ear cavities. temporal performance determined, part, by membrane. Switching between "tensed" "relaxed" membrane may allow Alligator compensate increased velocity underwater and, this way, use single map very physical environments.

Language: Английский

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First photon-counting detector computed tomography in the living crocodile: a 3D-Imaging study with special reference to amphibious hearing

Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: Oct. 23, 2024

Background Crocodiles are semi-aquatic animals well adapted to hear both on land and under water. Currently, there is limited information how their amphibious hearing accomplished. Here, we describe, for the first time, ear anatomy in living crocodile using photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) 3D rendering. We speculate crocodiles, despite closed canals, can use tympanic water that also provides directional hearing. Material Methods A Cuban ( Crocodylus rhombifer) underwent (PCD-CT), anesthesia spontaneous respiration. In addition two seven-month-old C. rhombifer a juvenile Morelet´s moreletii) micro-computed (µCT) endoscopy. One adult Cuviérs dwarf caiman Paleosuchus palpebrosus) was micro-dissected video-recorded. Aeration, earflap, middle morphology were evaluated compared after modeling. Results Discussion PCD-CT µCT with rendering segmentation demonstrated of external ears high resolution expired crocodiles. Based findings comparative examinations, suggest superior by modulating meatal recess together local bone conduction, may implement submerged including

Language: Английский

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