Evolutionary trends of the conserved neurocranium shape in angel sharks (Squatiniformes, Elasmobranchii).

ABSTRACT: Elasmobranchii (i.e., sharks, skates, and rays) forms one of the most diverse groups of marine predators. With a fossil record extending back into the Devonian, several modifications in their body plan illustrate their body shape diversity through time. The angel sharks, whose fossil record dates back to the Late Jurassic, some 160 Ma, have a dorsoventrally flattened body, similar to skates and rays. Fossil skeletons of this group show that the overall morphology was well established earlier in its history. By examining the skull shape of well-preserved fossil material compared to extant angel sharks using geometric morphometric methods, within a phylogenetic framework, we were able to determine the conservative skull shape among angel sharks with a high degree of integration. The morphosp

SUBMITTER: Lopez-Romero FA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7387474 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature