Comparative cranial osteology of fossorial lizards from the tribe Gymnophthalmini (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae).
J Morphol
; 271(11): 1352-65, 2010 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-20799328
ABSTRACT
Squamates (lizards, snakes and amphisbaenians) are represented by a large number of species distributed among a wide variety of habitats. Changes in body plan related to a fossorial habit are a frequent trend within the group and many morphological adaptations to this particular lifestyle evolved convergently in nonrelated species, reflecting adaptations to a similar habitat. The fossorial lifestyle requires an optimal morphological organization for an effective use of the available resources. Skeleton arrangement in fossorial squamates reflects adaptations to the burrowing activity, and different degrees of fossoriality can be inferred through an analysis of skull morphology. Here, we provide a detailed description of the skull morphology of three fossorial gymnophthalmid species Calyptommatus nicterus, Scriptosaura catimbau, and Nothobachia ablephara.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Crânio
/
Fósseis
/
Lagartos
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article