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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Shape analysis of odontocete mandibles: functional and evolutionary implications
Celia Barroso1, Ted W Cranford, Annalisa Berta
1Department of Biology, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182, USA. barrosocel@gmail.com
Journal of Morphology
|July 19, 2012
Summary
Toothed whale mandibles show significant shape variation in the feeding region, but conserved shapes in the sound reception area suggest adaptation for hearing. This research links jaw form to auditory function in Odontoceti.
Area of Science:
- * Zoology
- * Bioacoustics
- * Paleontology
Background:
- * Odontocete (toothed whale) mandibles are crucial for both feeding and hearing.
- * The anterior mandible is linked to feeding, while the posterior mandible is associated with sound reception.
- * Previous studies propose different pathways for sound entering the auditory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To quantify mandibular shape variation across Odontoceti lineages using Geometric Morphometrics.
- * To investigate the relationship between mandibular form and function, specifically feeding and hearing.
- * To explore the evolutionary pressures shaping mandibular morphology.
Main Methods:
- * Geometric Morphometrics applied to odontocete mandibles.
- * Analysis of shape variation in anterior (feeding) and posterior (sound reception) mandibular regions.
- * Examination of mandibular foramen shape and its evolutionary implications.
Main Results:
- * The majority of mandibular shape variation (45.0% Jaw Flare, 35.5% Symphysis Elongation) occurs in the anterior feeding region.
- * Shape differences in the posterior sound reception region, specifically the mandibular foramen, account for 10.9% of total variation.
- * Mandibular foramina shapes are largely conserved across Odontoceti.
Conclusions:
- * Mandibular shape variation is predominantly driven by feeding adaptations.
- * Conserved mandibular foramen geometry suggests a significant role in sound reception and hearing.
- * Evolutionary selection likely shaped mandibular foramina to meet specific auditory requirements in toothed whales.
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