Patellar shape diversity as a functional indicator of locomotor specialization in selected ruminant species.

ABSTRACT: This study investigates interspecific and intraspecific variation in patellar morphology among the examined species of ruminants and explores whether these differences are consistent with their reported locomotor ecology. While the patella functions as a crucial lever during locomotion, the extent to which this relatively small bone reflects adaptive variation across species remains uncertain. This research aims to characterize patellar shape diversity in five selected ruminant species and to explore its potential functional implications within this limited comparative framework. A total of 352 patellae representing five ruminant species (Bos taurus, Bison bonasus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, and Capreolus capreolus) belonging to the families Bovidae and Cervidae were digitized as three-dime

SUBMITTER: Kahvecioglu O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12835180 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature