Shape Covariation (or the Lack Thereof) Between Vertebrae and Other Skeletal Traits in Felids: The Whole is Not Always Greater than the Sum of Parts.

ABSTRACT: Within carnivorans, cats show comparatively little disparity in overall morphology, with species differing mainly in body size. However, detailed shape analyses of individual osteological structures, such as limbs or skulls, have shown that felids display significant morphological differences that correlate with their observed ecological and behavioural ranges. Recently, these shape analyses have been extended to the felid axial skeleton. Results demonstrate a functionally-partitioned vertebral column, with regions varying greatly in level of correlation between shape and ecology. Moreover, a clear distinction is evident between a phylogenetically-constrained neck region and a selection-responsive posterior spine. Here, we test whether this regionalisation of function reflected in vertebra

SUBMITTER: Randau M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5938317 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature