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

BioScience, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 74(3), С. 169 - 186

Опубликована: Март 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

Язык: Английский

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The history, systematics, and nomenclature of Thalattosuchia (Archosauria: Crocodylomorpha)

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 200(2), С. 547 - 617

Опубликована: Янв. 9, 2024

Abstract The use of more than one nomenclatural code is becoming increasingly common in some biological sub-disciplines. To minimize instability, we have decided to establish a higher level systematization for Thalattosuchia under both the International Code Phylogenetic Nomenclature (‘PhyloCode’) and Zoological (‘Zoological Code’). We undertook series phylogenetic analyses with an expanded dataset examine origins within Crocodylomorpha, determined clade’s diagnostic characters. Based on these analyses, provide updated diagnoses its subclades PhyloCode Code. also introduce two new nomina that are regulated (Neothalattosuchia Euthalattosuchia), nomen Dakosaurina, which registered codes. Moreover, PhyloCode-compliant definitions subclades. As cannot reliably discriminate between positional hypotheses clades’ as much mystery today they were over century ago. However, hope using same characters define clades, nomina, codes will be example others follow.

Язык: Английский

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Cephalic salt gland evolution in Mesozoic pelagic crocodylomorphs

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 197(3), С. 812 - 835

Опубликована: Март 4, 2022

Abstract Secondarily marine tetrapod lineages have independently evolved osmoregulatory adaptations for life in salt water but inferring physiological changes extinct tetrapods is difficult. The Mesozoic crocodylomorph clade Thalattosuchia unique having both direct evidence from natural endocasts and several proposed osteological correlates exocrine glands. Here, we investigate gland evolution thalattosuchians by creating endocranial reconstructions CT scans of eight taxa (one basal thalattosuchian, one teleosauroid, two metriorhynchoids four metriorhynchids) outgroups (three extant crocodylians the crocodyliform Protosuchus) to identify correlates. All show dorsolateral nasal cavity expansions corresponding location glands casts, smaller teleosauroids correspond more with cartilaginous capsule. different sizes these suggest following evolutionary sequence: (1) plesiomorphically small present semi-aquatic draining through vestibule; (2) moderately sized basalmost metriorhynchoid Pelagosaurus; (3) hypertrophied comprising Eoneustes metriorhynchids, a pre-orbital fenestra providing novel exit drainage. large size inferred indicates advanced osmoregulation occurred while were semi-aquatic. This pattern does not precisely fit into current models suggests sequence as transitioned land sea.

Язык: Английский

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Ontogenetic variability of the intertympanic sinus distinguishes lineages within Crocodylia

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 242(6), С. 1096 - 1123

Опубликована: Янв. 29, 2023

Abstract The phylogenetic relationships within crown Crocodylia remain contentious due to conflicts between molecular and morphological hypotheses. However, morphology‐based datasets are mostly constructed on external characters, overlooking internal structures. Here, we use 3D geometric morphometrics study the shape of intertympanic sinus system in crocodylians during ontogeny, order assess its significance a taxonomic context. Intertympanic was found be highly correlated with size modulated by cranial development. Still, adult morphology distinguishes specimens at family, genus species level. We observe clear distinction Alligatoridae Longirostres, separation different Crocodylus subfossil Malagasy Voay , Tomistoma Gavialis lineages. Our approach is independent methods but concurs topologies. Therefore, characters could add significantly datasets, offering an alternative viewpoint resolve problems crocodylian relationships.

Язык: Английский

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A new genus of metriorhynchid crocodylomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Germany

Journal of Systematic Palaeontology, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 22(1)

Опубликована: Июль 18, 2024

Язык: Английский

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A review of the non‐semiaquatic adaptations of extinct crocodylomorphs throughout their fossil record

The Anatomical Record, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 308(2), С. 266 - 314

Опубликована: Ноя. 25, 2024

Abstract Crocodylomorphs constitute a clade of archosaurs that have thrived since the Mesozoic until today and survived numerous major biological crises. Contrary to historic belief, their semiaquatic extant representatives (crocodylians) are not living fossils, and, during evolutionary history, crocodylomorphs evolved live in variety environments. This review aims summarize non‐semiaquatic adaptations (i.e., either terrestrial or fully aquatic) different groups from periods, highlighting how exactly those lifestyles inferred for animals, with regard geographic temporal distribution phylogenetic relationships. The ancestral condition Crocodylomorpha seems been lifestyle, linked several morphological such as an altirostral skull, long limbs allowing erect posture specialized dentition diets based on land. However, some members this clade, thalattosuchians dyrosaurids display opposite, aquatic interestingly same type observations. Finally, new techniques inferring paleobiology extinct animals put forward last decade, appearing complementary approach traditional descriptions comparisons. Such is case paleoneuroanatomical (CT scan data), histological, geochemical studies.

Язык: Английский

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Paleoherpetology and The Anatomical Record

The Anatomical Record, Год журнала: 2025, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Март 17, 2025

The field of paleontology has long been dominated by charismatic species, such as ever-imposing dinosaurs and intriguingly anthropomorphic primates. However, alongside each dinosaur primate lived a variety other fossil often smaller reptiles, which typically receive dramatically less public scientific attention. Nevertheless, paleoherpetology, the study reptiles (typically used to refer non-dinosaurian fauna), provides an important framework for understanding broader context past ecosystems. Over several years, paleoherpetological studies have subject considerable number articles in Anatomical Record (AR). In this special issue Record, we celebrate paleoherpetology. Specifically, volume brings together collection papers on topics ranging from crocodyliforms turtles lizards. skillfully Guest Edited two experts Drs. Adán Pérez-García Francisco Ortega (Figure 1). is researcher at Evolutionary Biology Group National University Distance Education (UNED, Madrid, Spain), Senior Lecturer ("Profesor Titular de Universidad") Faculty Sciences that University. His main research evolutionary history turtles, both European forms taxa related them inhabited continents, especially Africa. He currently active Cenozoic while he also continues work with Mesozoic taxa, sites reptiles. participated projects involve analysis reptile faunas, Mesozoic, primary more than 10 projects, involving researchers various countries continents. director paleontological excavation campaigns, author 150 300 conference presentations. described 35 new genera species most but crocodiles sauropterygians. Professor UNED (Madrid) Principal Investigator Research UNED, focusing particularly dinosaurs, along their authored over 100 publications technical journals, primarily concentrating Upper Jurassic Portugal, well Lower Cretaceous Paleogene Spain. Furthermore, contributed development museum museographic efforts extend Spain, Niger, Argentina, participation nearly excavations twenty national international projects. We wish express our sincere thanks excellent issue. first true appeared record around 320 million years ago since undergone dramatic diversification evolution. Unique anatomical adaptations allowed paleoherp fauna survive Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) extinction event wiped out non-avian dinosaurs. AR many findings. This introductory editorial will briefly report some significant prior volumes AR. 2022, published its second largest ever, "The Age Crocodilians kin: Their anatomy, physiology evolution" (Holliday & Schachner, 2022; Laitman Smith, 2022). Special Issue began early Triassic crocodylomorphs (Bestwick et al., 2021; Melstrom Parker Ruebenstahl von Baczko 2021) extended through radiation during rest (Bowman Cowgill Dumont Jr. 2020; Fernandez Herrera, Nieto Wilberg 2021). Finally, it concluded presenting into crocs (Brochu Pochat-Cottilloux 2023, resulting 2022 Turtle Evolution Symposium (TES) (Smith Laitman, 2023; Sterli Vlachos, 2023). TES regular studying different aspects origin evolution until recent times. Topics relating ranged osteohistology (Guerrero Pérez-García, Pereyra, 2023) neuroanatomy (Martín-Jiménez Smith descriptions (Brinkman Gentry Joyce Maniel Vlachos documenting turtle occurrences (Boneta Jiménez Saltsidou A paleohistology pseudosuchians yielded exciting papers. models estimate body mass (Woodward 2024) review across Pseudosuchia (Scheyer, 2024). addition Issues, recently numerous standalone Studies focused amphisbaenian squamates (Salvino 2024), materials lizards (Loreal New crocodyliform (Noto 2019), ontogeny baurusuchids (dos Martins Santos Papers variation extant morphology relation (Evers Hermanson 2024; Miller discussed among (Adrian Tooth replacement mesosaurs (Carlisbino Modern studied way interpret (e.g., Allemand, Abdul-Sater, López-Aguirre, Maliuk all, provide paleoenvironmental information. They fill missing gaps ecosystems between widely mammals. hope you enjoy paleoherpetology Issue. Heather F. Smith: Writing – original draft; investigation; visualization; conceptualization. Jeffrey T. Laitman: writing editing.

Язык: Английский

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Neuroanatomy of the mekosuchine crocodylianTrilophosuchus rackhamiWillis, 1993

Journal of Anatomy, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 241(4), С. 981 - 1013

Опубликована: Авг. 29, 2022

Abstract Although our knowledge on crocodylomorph palaeoneurology has experienced considerable growth in recent years, the neuroanatomy of many taxa yet to be studied. This is true for Australian taxa, where thus far only two crocodylian crocodylomorphs have had aspects their explored. Here, mekosuchine Trilophosuchus rackhami described first time, which significantly increases understanding crocodylians. The palaeoneurological description based taxon's holotype specimen (QMF16856), was subjected a μCT scan. Because exceptional preservation QMF16856, most neuroanatomical elements could digitally reconstructed and detail. Therefore, assessment presented here hitherto in‐depth study this kind an extinct crocodylomorph. brain endocast with distinctive morphology that characterized by acute dural peak over hindbrain region. While overall unique T. , it does share certain similarities notosuchian crocodyliforms Araripesuchus wegeneri Sebecus icaeorhinus . endosseous labyrinth displays typical crocodylians, although stand‐out feature unusually tall common crus. Indeed, crus one greatest height ratios among currently known labyrinths. paratympanic pneumatic system greatly developed similar those extant crocodylians Osteolaemus tetraspis Paleosuchus palpebrosus observations are also discussed context Crocodylomorpha. comparative reinforces previous evaluations complex diverse species, peculiar neuromorphology, particularly eusuchian crocodyliforms.

Язык: Английский

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Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs from the Sinemurian (Early Jurassic) of the UK

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 201(3)

Опубликована: Июль 1, 2024

Abstract Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs were a ubiquitous component of shallow marine ecosystems during the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. Alas, their origins remain mystery. Here we describe three specimens from Sinemurian (and possibly Pliensbachian) UK: partial cranial rostrum, series cervical vertebrae, two dorsal vertebrae adhered with matrix. These are amongst oldest known thalattosuchian fossils, rostrum being non-neothalattosuchian thalattosuchian. This has unique combination rostral characters never seen before in any crocodylomorph, helps to elucidate early internal evolution, suggesting that reduction paranasal sinuses was not related either reorganization neurovasculature later diverging taxa or increased cancellous bone microstructure. Based on our CT sample, shift microstructure occurred Eoneustes + Metriorhynchidae subclade, one coincided enlargement salt glands decoupling external antorbital fenestra sinuses. Without extensive histological sampling cannot determine whether an obligate aquatic lifestyle prior evolution Metriorhynchidae.

Язык: Английский

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Active airflow of the paranasal sinuses in extinct crocodyliforms: Evidence from a natural cast of the thalattosuchianDakosaurus andiniensis

The Anatomical Record, Год журнала: 2021, Номер 305(10), С. 2604 - 2619

Опубликована: Июнь 14, 2021

Abstract The evolution of Thalattosuchia documents the unique shift among Crocodylomorpha from aquatic continental/coastal habitats to a fully pelagic lifestyle. This transition was coupled with deep modification their skeletons, such as hydrofoil forelimbs, hypocercal tail, and loss osteoderms. natural snout casts rhacheosaurin Cricosaurus araucanensis showed that it also included changes in internal anatomy like enlargement nasal glands (probably for salt excretion) rearrangement paranasal sinus system, including internalization antorbital sinus. Here we described cast geosaurin Dakosaurus andiniensis Late Jurassic Patagonia. information provided by indicates that, despite having different external morphologies ecology, D. C. share same facial anatomy. new preserves suborbital diverticulum protruding into orbit through postnasal fenestra. Its location interleaved jaw adductor muscles suggesting an active airflow We provide putative functional interpretation this peculiar arrangement where bellow pumps actions musculature may help drain glands. sinuses predates completely pelagic‐lifestyle. proposed stepwise evolutionary scenario Thalattosuchia, implying preorbital region (and orientation) internalized via its subsidiary co‐opted helping drainage. Further scrutiny larger sample thalattosuchians will test hypothesis.

Язык: Английский

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