Adaptations to cursoriality and digit reduction in the forelimb of the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), an endangered canid native to southern and eastern Africa, is distinct among canids in being described as entirely tetradactyl and in its nomadic lifestyle and use of exhaustive predation to capture its prey instead of speed, strength, or stealth. These behavioral and morphological traits suggest a potentially unique set of adaptations.

Methods

Here, we dissected the forelimbs of an adult male L. pictus specimen and performed detailed descriptions and quantitative analyses of the musculoskeletal anatomy.

Results

Statistical comparisons of muscle masses and volumes revealed that L. pictus has relatively smaller wrist rotators (mm. pronator teres, pronator quadratus, supinator) than any other included

SUBMITTER: Smith HF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7482643 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature