Diversity in owls’ (Strigiformes) hindlimbs: evolutionary and ecological influences on hindlimb bone proportions and their relation to prey preferences DOI
Mariana Beatriz Julieta Picasso, Laura Marina Biondi, María Clelia Mosto

et al.

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 203(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract In Strigiformes, which comprise the Tytonidae and Strigidae families, hindlimbs play a crucial role in prey capture. Yet, their bone proportions remain understudied despite established link between avian hindlimb skeletal morphology ecological traits. We examined of femur, tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus 18 owl species, investigating associations with preferences, body mass, phylogenetic signals. Our results indicate that owls generally have short femur tarsometatarsus, relatively long all exhibiting isometric scaling relative to mass. Although evolutionary inheritance influences proportions, become apparent when three bones are considered together, highlighting adaptations associated dietary demands. For instance, barn facilitates swift movement dense environments, aiding capture small rodents; whereas burrowing owls, it enhances terrestrial locomotion. The remaining species exhibited strength responds various biological demands, enabling different types sizes, or improving stability during perching. findings suggest diverged preferences early evolution, specializing on rodents evolving from insectivory more generalized mammals-based diets.

Language: Английский

Diversity in owls’ (Strigiformes) hindlimbs: evolutionary and ecological influences on hindlimb bone proportions and their relation to prey preferences DOI
Mariana Beatriz Julieta Picasso, Laura Marina Biondi, María Clelia Mosto

et al.

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 203(4)

Published: April 1, 2025

Abstract In Strigiformes, which comprise the Tytonidae and Strigidae families, hindlimbs play a crucial role in prey capture. Yet, their bone proportions remain understudied despite established link between avian hindlimb skeletal morphology ecological traits. We examined of femur, tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus 18 owl species, investigating associations with preferences, body mass, phylogenetic signals. Our results indicate that owls generally have short femur tarsometatarsus, relatively long all exhibiting isometric scaling relative to mass. Although evolutionary inheritance influences proportions, become apparent when three bones are considered together, highlighting adaptations associated dietary demands. For instance, barn facilitates swift movement dense environments, aiding capture small rodents; whereas burrowing owls, it enhances terrestrial locomotion. The remaining species exhibited strength responds various biological demands, enabling different types sizes, or improving stability during perching. findings suggest diverged preferences early evolution, specializing on rodents evolving from insectivory more generalized mammals-based diets.

Language: Английский

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