Comparative masticatory myology in anteaters and its implications for interpreting morphological convergence in myrmecophagous placentals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ecological adaptations of mammals are reflected in the morphological diversity of their feeding apparatus, which includes differences in tooth crown morphologies, variation in snout size, or changes in muscles of the feeding apparatus. The adaptability of their feeding apparatus allowed them to optimize resource exploitation in a wide range of habitats. The combination of computer-assisted X-ray microtomography (µ-CT) with contrast-enhancing staining protocols has bolstered the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) models of muscles. This new approach allows for accurate descriptions of muscular anatomy, as well as the quick measurement of muscle volumes and fiber orientation. Ant- and termite-eating (myrmecophagy) represents a case of extreme feeding specialization,

SUBMITTER: Ferreira-Cardoso S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7491420 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature