Unique internal anatomy of vertebrae as a key factor for neck elongation in Triassic archosauromorphs DOI Creative Commons
Adam Rytel, Dawid Surmik, Tomasz Szczygielski

et al.

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 202(3)

Published: Oct. 14, 2024

Abstract The Triassic was a key period in the evolution of vertebrates, and reptiles particular, giving rise to plethora successful lineages, some which are still extant. One groups that flourished during early Mesozoic were tanysaurians (Archosauromorpha: Tanysauria). They had elongate neck vertebrae genera reached extreme proportions. Here, we provide first comprehensive description internal structure these extraordinary elements, focusing on famously bizarre Tanystropheus. Through computed tomography sectioning, able reveal intriguing features comparable those seen pterosaurs birds. However, contrary what see pneumatic bones, cervicals contain singular voluminous cavity. This results cylindrical vertebrae, likely provided durability, while contributing less weight neck. These insights relevant for better understanding unique anatomy among tetrapods, evolved as result very strict selection particular function. Importantly, our findings demonstrate major modifications not derived avemetatarsalians (pterosaurs dinosaurs), but more widespread reptiles.

Language: Английский

Specialized diving traits in the generalist morphology of Fulica (Aves, Rallidae) DOI Creative Commons
Ricardo S. De Mendoza, Julieta Carril, Federico J. Degrange

et al.

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(1)

Published: June 17, 2024

Abstract Foot-propelled diving comprises the primary locomotion-based feeding strategy for many birds, including families such as Phalacrocoracidae, Anhingidae, Podicipedidae, Gaviidae, and ducks within Anatidae. While morphology of specialized divers is well known, corresponding less known birds not but capable diving, coots (Rallidae, Fulica spp.). To compare osteology with other (non-diving) Rallidae, foot-propelled that are distantly related, we considered osteological characters, proportion hind limb bones femoral splay angle to construct a phylomorphospace, perform comparative disparity analysis considering ecomorphologically relevant characters related swimming diving. Coots resulted be significantly disparate from Rallidae showing traits divers, only noticeable when compared rallids, degree development these markedly than in loons, grebes, or cormorants. This may correspond stabilizing selection characteristics associated generalist . Studying adaptation taxa broadens our understanding significant features, thereby enabling us generalize their evolutionary patterns.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Contrasting macroevolutionary patterns in pelagic tetrapods across the Triassic–Jurassic transition DOI
Antoine Laboury,

Thomas L. Stubbs,

Andrzej S. Wolniewicz

et al.

Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 16, 2024

The iconic marine raptorial predators Ichthyosauria and Eosauropterygia co-existed in the same ecosystems throughout most of Mesozoic Era, facing similar evolutionary pressures environmental perturbations. Both groups seemingly went through a massive macroevolutionary bottleneck across Triassic-Jurassic (T/J) transition that greatly reduced their morphological diversity, leaving pelagic lineages as only survivors. However, analyses reptile disparity T/J have usually employed coarse temporal data. We comprehensively compare evolution ichthyosaurian eosauropterygian morphology body size Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic interval find contrasting patterns. ecomorphospace eosauropterygians predominantly reflects strong phylogenetic signal, resulting clustering three clades with clearly distinct craniodental phenotypes, suggesting 'leaps' towards novel feeding ecologies. Ichthyosaurian diversification lacks discernible trend, we evidence for wide overlap morphologies between forms. ecomorphological disparity, fin shape ichthyosaurians during Late does not support hypothesis an abrupt near transition. Rather, important turnover event should be sought earlier, times rapid sea level falls.

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Impact of early Toarcian climatic changes on marine reptiles: Extinction and recovery DOI
Matías Reolid, Wolfgang Ruebsam, Jesús Reolid

et al.

Earth-Science Reviews, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 104965 - 104965

Published: Oct. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

Citations

0
Unique internal anatomy of vertebrae as a key factor for neck elongation in Triassic archosauromorphs DOI Creative Commons
Adam Rytel, Dawid Surmik, Tomasz Szczygielski

et al.

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 202(3)

Published: Oct. 14, 2024

Abstract The Triassic was a key period in the evolution of vertebrates, and reptiles particular, giving rise to plethora successful lineages, some which are still extant. One groups that flourished during early Mesozoic were tanysaurians (Archosauromorpha: Tanysauria). They had elongate neck vertebrae genera reached extreme proportions. Here, we provide first comprehensive description internal structure these extraordinary elements, focusing on famously bizarre Tanystropheus. Through computed tomography sectioning, able reveal intriguing features comparable those seen pterosaurs birds. However, contrary what see pneumatic bones, cervicals contain singular voluminous cavity. This results cylindrical vertebrae, likely provided durability, while contributing less weight neck. These insights relevant for better understanding unique anatomy among tetrapods, evolved as result very strict selection particular function. Importantly, our findings demonstrate major modifications not derived avemetatarsalians (pterosaurs dinosaurs), but more widespread reptiles.

Language: Английский

Citations

0