Unexpected morphological variability in the eggshells of the South American caimans Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare.

ABSTRACT: Eggshell morphology is a valuable indicator of the local conditions within the nests of modern crocodilians and birds. In contrast to these latter, the anatomical structure of the eggshells of most crocodilian species is practically unknown. Here, we provide the first characterization of crocodilian eggshells, using x-ray micro-CT scans. We studied eggshells of Caiman latirostris and Caiman yacare from various developmental stages that coincide with the beginning of embryonic ossification. The new 3D renderings revealed complex ornamentation, unique among crocodilians, and amphora-shaped pore canals, some of which converge in single pore openings. We also documented a high density of pore canals with a gas diffusion capacity 45 times higher than the average predicted for modern avian eggsh

SUBMITTER: Hechenleitner EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10039913 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature