A three-dimensional analysis of the morphological evolution and locomotor behaviour of the carnivoran hind limb.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The shape of the appendicular bones in mammals usually reflects adaptations towards different locomotor abilities. However, other aspects such as body size and phylogeny also play an important role in shaping bone design.We used 3D landmark-based geometric morphometrics to analyse the shape of the hind limb bones (i.e., femur, tibia, and pelvic girdle bones) of living and extinct terrestrial carnivorans (Mammalia, Carnivora) to quantitatively investigate the influence of body size, phylogeny, and locomotor behaviour in shaping the morphology of these bones. We also investigated the main patterns of morphological variation within a phylogenetic context.

Results

Size and phylogeny strongly influence the shape of the hind limb bones. In contrast, adaptations towards

SUBMITTER: Martin-Serra A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4065579 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature