Unravelling the ontogeny of a Devonian early gnathostome, the "acanthodian" Triazeugacanthus affinis (eastern Canada).

ABSTRACT: The study of vertebrate ontogenies has the potential to inform us of shared developmental patterns and processes among organisms. However, fossilised ontogenies of early vertebrates are extremely rare during the Palaeozoic Era. A growth series of the Late Devonian "acanthodian" Triazeugacanthus affinis, from the Miguasha Fossil-Fish Lagerstätte, is identified as one of the best known early vertebrate fossilised ontogenies given the exceptional preservation, the large size range, and the abundance of specimens. Morphological, morphometric, histological and chemical data are gathered on a growth series of Triazeugacanthus ranging from 4 to 52 mm in total length. The developmental trajectory of this Devonian "acanthodian" is characteristic of fishes showing a direct development with alternati

SUBMITTER: Chevrinais M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5661438 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature