Heterochrony and developmental modularity of cranial osteogenesis in lipotyphlan mammals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Here we provide the most comprehensive study to date on the cranial ossification sequence in Lipotyphla, the group which includes shrews, moles and hedgehogs. This unique group, which encapsulates diverse ecological modes, such as terrestrial, subterranean, and aquatic lifestyles, is used to examine the evolutionary lability of cranial osteogenesis and to investigate the modularity of development.

Results

An acceleration of developmental timing of the vomeronasal complex has occurred in the common ancestor of moles. However, ossification of the nasal bone has shifted late in the more terrestrial shrew mole. Among the lipotyphlans, sequence heterochrony shows no significant association with modules derived from developmental origins (that is, neural crest cells vs.

SUBMITTER: Koyabu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3247175 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature