Artículo
The stapes of gomphodont cynodonts: Insights into the middle ear structure of non-mammaliaform cynodonts
Fecha de publicación:
07/2015
Editorial:
Public Library of Science
Revista:
Plos One
ISSN:
1932-6203
Idioma:
Inglés
Tipo de recurso:
Artículo publicado
Clasificación temática:
Resumen
The stapes is known in several non-mammaliaform cynodonts, although it has only been cursorily studied. Here we thoroughly analyze the stapedial anatomy of several basal cynodonts in a phylogenetic framework. Our study shows that the stapedial anatomy is more variable than previously thought. The morphological variation of the stapes led to the recognition of 11 phylogenetic characters that were included in a total evidence data matrix centered in the analysis of gomphodont cynodonts. Stapes morphology does not provide evidence to suggest a direct connection between the stapes and a postquadrate tympanic membrane (if present) and the hypothesis of a dorsal process as the site of attachment of a small ligament or the stapedial muscle is supported. The re-evaluation of the theories concerning the position of the tympanic membrane in non-mammaliaform cynodonts allowed us to conclude that the hypothetical postquadrate tympanic membrane associated with the squamosal sulcus is at best relictual and most likely non-functional (not connected with the stapes). The sound waves were most likely transmitted to the stapes from a postdentary tympanic membrane through the quadrate. Our analysis results in a better understanding of the auditory system in basal cynodonts and its evolution, highlighting the variability of the stapedial anatomy.
Palabras clave:
Stapes
,
Middle Ear
,
Gomphodont
,
Cynodonts
Archivos asociados
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Identificadores
Colecciones
Articulos(IDEAN)
Articulos de INSTITUTO DE ESTUDIOS ANDINOS "DON PABLO GROEBER"
Articulos de INSTITUTO DE ESTUDIOS ANDINOS "DON PABLO GROEBER"
Citación
Gaetano, Leandro Carlos; Abdala, Nestor Fernando; The stapes of gomphodont cynodonts: Insights into the middle ear structure of non-mammaliaform cynodonts; Public Library of Science; Plos One; 10; 7; 7-2015; 1-25; e0131174
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