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For nearly four decades, harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, have suffered unparalleled population declines. While this also results in limited understanding of alphataxonomic relationships, these toads face an urgent need for advances in systematics to inform conservation efforts. However, high intraspecific variation and cryptic diversity have hindered a comprehensive understanding of Atelopus diversity. This is particularly exemplified among Amazonian populations related to A. spumarius, where decades of taxonomic work have not been able yet to unravel relationships between the many forms, while the names coined so far have led to taxonomic confusion leaving numerous lineages unnamed. A recent comprehensive phylogenetic study has revealed new insights into the systematics of harlequin toads with an emphasis on Amazonian forms, identifying several unnamed lineages. We here describe one of these evolutionary lineages as a new species, restricted to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in an integrative taxonomic approach using molecular, morphological, bioacoustic and larval information. With this, we contribute to a better understanding of Atelopus diversity as the baseline of conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe two new caecilian species of the genus Caecilia (Gymnophiona: Caeciliidae) from the wet tropical Chocó Forest, north-western Ecuador. We applied an integrative taxonomic approach, taking into consideration external morphology, osteology from intensive ct-scanning, and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The two new species were compared to all other Caecilia species, known to occur west of the Ecuadorian and Colombian Andes. The new taxa can be distinguished by their external morphological characters, as well as by their osteology, genetic divergence, and phylogenetic relationships. The two new species, although morphologically quite different, were closely related. Caecilia tesoro sp. n. is a large-bodied, robust species with a unique colour pattern in larger individuals. In contrast, Caecilia truncata sp. n. is a smaller caeciliid and sister to medium-sized C. volcani, a species known from Panama. Morphologically, C. truncata sp. n. is best recognized by a very truncated snout shape. As know from many previously recognized neotropical caeciliids, both new species are likely endemic to small ranges, here the humid tropical lowland to mid-altitude forests of western Ecuador. Both new species seem to tolerate some degree of habitat degradation. Our new findings support to intensify research and conservation activities in one of South America's most diverse but severely endangered biomes. We also present, for the first time, some clues of the phylogenetic position of elongated C. nigricans and C. leucocephala. Caecilia nigricans was sister to a clade composed of one Oscaecilia and ten species of Caecilia. This topology rendered the genus Caecilia paraphyletic relative to Oscaecilia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteology plays an indispensable role in understanding the normal patterns of different species, serving as the foundation for zoological understanding. Mazama nana is well-known in Brazil; however, basic morphological descriptions of the species are scarce, while Subulo gouazoubira, currently revalidated as Mazama gouazoubira, is also prevalent in Brazil and has recently been the subject of various phylogenetic studies. In this respect, in the present study, 19 cervid heads (16 Subulo gouazoubira and three Mazama nana) were osteologically prepared. Next, computed tomographies (CTs) were performed to enhance the assessment of bone accidents, as well as internal structures and foramina through three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques due to the difficult visibility in intact specimens. A comparison was then made between the reconstructions, digital photographs, and CT cross-sections of the skull, which enabled the visualization of anatomical peculiarities and exclusivities, such as nasolacrimal-maxillary fenestra, paranasal sinuses, and thin bone architecture, as well as the unique shape of cranial bones, compared to other species that exhibit a unique and genuine phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La Osteología como asignatura necesita de las mediciones sistemáticas a través de la analítica del aprendizaje con el uso de los recursos didácticos digitales en función del seguimiento individual de los estudiantes. El objetivo de la presente investigación es evaluar los resultados académicos obtenidos por la plataforma interactiva (Moodle) utilizando la analítica del aprendizaje para la mejora del proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje de la osteología. La investigación se sustenta en un paradigma de investigación educativa positivista, donde la metodología utilizada fue la cuantitativa. Los resultados fundamentales están dados, a partir del análisis de los datos, que el estadístico de la media esta desde el punto de vista descriptivo por encima en todas las actividades donde se ha utilizado metodología aplicando los recursos didácticos digitales versus (vs) metodología tradicional lo cual fue corroborado por los gráficos utilizados y desde el punto de vista inferencial, pues en todas las comparaciones de ambas distribuciones, bajo el supuesto normalidad, existió diferencias significativas entre ambas. Se ha podido concluir la investigación que al evaluar los resultados académicos obtenidos con el uso de los recursos didácticos digitales ha sido superior que utilizando la metodología tradicional.

As particularidades anatômicas cranianas das aves são fundamentais para entender os aspectos filogenéticos, contribuindo para a identificação das espécies e na compreensão dos hábitos de vida do animal. Em relação ao contexto clínico veterinário, o conhecimento da região craniana torna-se ainda mais essencial no atendimento mais preciso destes animais, especialmente na análise e interpretação fidedigna de exames de imagens. Desta forma, objetivou-se descrever macroscopicamente a órbita óssea e os acidentes ósseos na corujinha-do-mato (Megascops choliba), utilizando 15 exemplares adultos, sexos indeterminados, advindos por mortes naturais a partir do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Paraná - Setor Palotina. Todos os animais foram dissecados para seus crânios serem macerados em água. Posteriormente, estes foram imersos em solução de peróxido de hidrogênio e expostos ao sol para clareamento. Para análise e descrição, utilizou-se uma lupa circular de luz fria e olho desarmado. Assim, observou-se que a órbita se encontrava alongada no sentido rostrocaudal com a presença de uma proeminência supraorbital curta, um processo postorbital largo, um arco suborbital incompleto e um septo interorbital delgado com diversos forames, em que o de maior proporção foi o forame do nervo óptico. Assim, a partir das análises realizadas fornece-se uma descrição mais minuciosa com novas contribuições para a anatomia descritiva da órbita óssea da espécie nativa de coruja, M. choliba, em que se destaca a necessidade de compreender de maneira mais assertiva sobre a singularidade da anatomia da órbita óssea entre as diferentes espécies aviárias e sua anatomia comparativa.

The article presents the contributions of Benedykt Dybowski to the natural history of Steller's sea cow - a marine mammal species, that had become extinct in the 18th c. Dybowski's impact is highlighted in his iconic discoveries concerning the biology of this species. Namely, he revealed and described the sexual dimorphism of the Steller's sea cow and was the first to propose the climatic hypothesis concerning its extinction. Furthermore, Dybowski sent the largest number of skulls and bones representing this species to European museums in the 19th c. Today, these artifacts are deposited in seven museums in five countries (England, Ukraine, Poland, Austria, and Monaco). Unfortunately, specimens sent to Polish scientific institutions were looted or destroyed during both world wars. Sources examined in the present paper picture Dybowski as a prominent zoologist who worked within an international network of other outstanding specialists of that time - especially Władysław Taczanowski of the Warsaw Zoological Cabinet. The documents analyzed here shed new light on the work of naturalists and museum workers, revealing behind-the-scenes complexities of purchasing scarce and valuable zoological specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although megaherbivores do not belong to the Brazilian fauna, they can be found in national zoos, which makes it important to know the anatomy of the locomotor apparatus to contribute to the clinical routine of zoos and veterinary rehabilitation centers. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the anatomical structures of the thoracic limb bones in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and to compare them with the bone structures described for other ungulates. The scapula had a triangular appearance in the common hippopotamus, whereas in the white rhinoceros it had a rectangular appearance. The acromion was observed only in the common hippopotamus scapula. The hippopotamus humerus did not have the intermediate tubercle, only the greater and lesser tubercles, unlike the rhinoceros which also has the intermediate tubercle. The two megamammals studied had an ulna not incorporated to the radius and seven carpal bones distributed in two bone rows. The common hippopotamus had four digits and four metacarpal bones, while the white rhino had three digits, hence three metacarpal bones. Although with some species-specific differences, the bone anatomy found in the studied megaherbivores was similar to that described for domestic ungulates, such as horses and cattle. The fact that the bones studied belong to articulated skeletons of the collection of the Museum of Anatomy made it difficult to identify some anatomical structures. This study can help veterinarians in bone health care, animal welfare and comfort of such species present in Brazilian zoological parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We re-evaluate the taxonomic status of specimens of Rhinella collected from rainforests on the eastern Andean slopes and foothills of central Bolivia. The respective populations have been allocated to different nominal taxa, namely Rhinella fissipes and R. leptoscelis, in the past. By detailed morphological comparisons, including the type specimens of crucial taxa, as well as a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, we here demonstrate that the focal populations represent a divergent lineage within the Rhinella veraguensis species group, being apparently closely related to R. rumbolli from northern Argentina, but only distantly related to R. leptoscelis, with which they share several morphological character states. Also, the specimens of the focal lineage differ by a unique combination of morphological character states from all known nominal species currently assigned to the R. veraguensis group. Consequently, we describe this lineage as a new species. We discuss the history of its changing taxonomic allocations and demonstrate that former conclusions were barely justified and wrong. We also provide a description of the osteology of this species using computer tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, we discuss the status of the nominal taxon Bufo pleuropterus Schmidt, 1857, currently considered to represent a junior synonym of Rhinella margaritifera (Laurenti, 1768), and provide arguments for the specific distinctness of these two taxa. Consequently, we regard Rhinella pleuroptera (Schmidt, 1857) a valid species. Based on its external morphology, which is rather similar to that of R. inca, we speculate that R. pleuroptera is possibly related to species in the R. veraguensis group, although this remains in need of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Eigenmannia is described from the upper rio Paraná basin based on morphological and molecular data. It is distinguished for all congeners by a unique combination of morphometrics, meristics, osteological characters, a significant COI genetic divergence that ranges from 4.9 to 15.2%, and its karyotype. An osteological description for the new species is provided, the geographic distribution of Eigenmannia species in the upper rio Paraná basin is commented on, and the use of karyotype information in taxonomic studies is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O Nyctibius griseus, conhecido como urutau-comum, é uma espécie que se distribui por todo o território brasileiro. Esta ave, de hábitos noturnos, exibe uma coloração que varia do cinza ao marrom, sem distinção sexual aparente. Dada a importância do osso quadrado nos movimentos cranianos das aves, e considerando a complexidade em sua identificação devido à fusão dos ossos cranianos, especialmente em espécimes adultos, o propósito deste estudo foi o de realizar uma descrição anatômica abrangente do osso quadrado do N. griseus, abordando seus acidentes ósseos e aspectos morfométricos. Para este fim, foram utilizados seis exemplares adultos, de sexo indeterminado, de urutau-comum, de vida livre e recebidos para tratamento clínico e posteriormente doados ao Laboratório de Anatomia Animal do Setor Palotina da Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR). A descrição anatômica envolveu a medição da distância entre o processo orbital e o processo ótico, a distância entre o processo mandibular e o processo orbital, bem como a distância entre o processo ótico e o processo mandibular, utilizando um paquímetro digital. Durante o estudo, a crista timpânica e a crista do osso quadrado foram identificadas, embora o côndilo rostral não tenha sido observado nas amostras. Adicionalmente à crista timpânica, observou-se a presença da crista do osso quadrado na face medial dos ossos. Portanto, a partir deste estudo amplia-se o conhecimento anatômico e morfométrico do osso quadrado do N. griseus, proporcionando uma abordagem inédita sobre sua estrutura. Este osso, essencial para a craniocinese das aves, agora encontra-se mais compreendido graças a esta investigação. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El estudio del componente osteoarticular de la mano humana, requiere de estrategias didácticas que le permitan al estudiante comprender sus relaciones y accidentes óseos. La osteotecnia, permite obtener modelos óseos y facilita el proceso de aprendizaje del estudiante al tener un acercamiento real con las piezas. El objetivo fue presentar un protocolo de osteotecnia aplicado a manos humanas. Este trabajo se realizó en el laboratorio de anatomía del Departamento de Morfología de la Universidad del Valle en Cali - Colombia; se utilizaron cuatro manos humanas entregadas en custodia por el Instituto Nacional de medicina legal y ciencias forenses. El protocolo se desarrolló en dos fases; fase I, manejo de tejidos blandos y fase II, manejo de tejido óseo. Se obtuvieron cuatro modelos anatómicos del componente óseo de la mano: dos articulados y dos desarticulados para uso académico. Con la aplicación del protocolo no solo se obtuvo modelos anatómicos óseos de larga durabilidad que benefician a los estudiantes y al docente en las clases teórico-prácticas; si no, el estudiante ejecutor que profundizó en el conocimiento de este segmento corporal durante y después del desarrollo de la técnica.

Copyright of Complutum is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A new species of Corydoras is described from tributaries to the rio Araza, an affluent of the rio Inambari, itself a tributary to the rio Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin in the Peruvian Amazon. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following features: (I) absence of contact between the posterior process of the parieto-supraoccipital and the nuchal plate, (II) a single, large conspicuous dark brown or black blotch on anterodorsal portion of flank; blotch somewhat rounded to roughly diamond shaped, and (III) absence of dark blotches on fins. General comments on the identity of Corydoras aeneus are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El urohial estápresente en la mayoría de los peces óseos, es un hueso impar que se ubica en la región cefálica-ventral y desempeña un papel importante en el mecanismo de cierre y apertura de la boca. En México, tanto la descripción morfológica de los urohiales como su aplicación en el apoyo en la determinación de peces es poco utilizada, por ello la finalidad de este trabajo es iniciar un registro de urohiales de los peces de la costa de Veracruz. Se presenta una morfología comparada del urohial de 56 especies de peces pertenecientes a 40 géneros y 26 familias colectados en la línea costera del estado de Veracruz. Los peces con cuerpo elongado presentan un urohial bajo y elongado, mientras que otros peces como los meros y huachinangos, en su mayoría presentan costillas, la parte terminal en forma lunada y líneas de crecimiento evidentes, otros presentan la parte terminal redondeada y los urohiales de corvinas presentan una proyección en la parte dorsal del cóndilo. Se concluye la factibilidad de utilizar el urohial en la clasificación de familias géneros y especies dada su forma característica entre cada taxon dentro de los teleósteos.

Copyright of Revista Entramado is the property of Universidad Libre Seccional Cali and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the present paper, we report new anuran remains recovered from strata referred to the Adamantina Formation (Upper Cretaceous) cropping out near Catanduva city, São Paulo, Brazil. The remains represent two individuals, one of which bears a set of peculiar characteristics, both cranial and postcranial, that allows us to assign them to the already known genus Baurubatrachus. To date, the genus was only represented by the holotype of Baurubatrachus pricei, recovered from the Upper Cretaceous Serra da Galga Formation (which is younger than the Adamantina Formation), near Peirópolis (Minas Gerais, Brazil), 200 km north of Catanduva City. The lesser ossification as well as the slender configuration of the scapula and ilia of the new remains, relative to B. pricei, points to the identification of a new species, Baurubatrachus santosdoroi sp. nov. The detailed study of the peculiar anatomy of these specimens provides new osteological features for the genus, such as the presence of a subtympanic foramen, as well as new character states for other traits to be considered in future systematic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O Canis lupus familiaris e o Cerdocyon thous são mamíferos da família Canidae. No entanto, quando se trata de preservação ambiental, o canídeo silvestre se destaca pelo seu papel como recrutador de plantas nativas e cultivadas. O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de descrever, de forma comparativa, o esqueleto do C. thous, levando em consideração a carência de informações sobre a osteologia desse animal, além da importância de tal conhecimento para instituir, quando necessário, o tratamento clínico e cirúrgico. Foram utilizados crânios de cachorros do mato submetidos ao processo de maceração, limpeza e clarificação. Ao término dessas etapas, efetuou-se a análise morfológica e morfométrica comparativa entre as peças preparadas e os crânios de cachorros domésticos oriundos do Setor de Anatomia Animal da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro. Durante a execução, foi encontrada uma série de achados no canídeo silvestre que divergiam do doméstico. Além da mensuração das 18 medidas lineares e o cálculo dos índices craniométricos. Embora não há classificação morfológica para o cachorro do mato, o índice cefálico e os outros índices avaliados nesse experimento demonstraram semelhanças entre ele e os cães domésticos classificados como mesaticefálicos. Na análise dos forames cranianos foi possível mensurar as distâncias entre esses detalhes anatômicos e os pontos palpáveis que são utilizados como orientação nos bloqueios anestésicos. Através dessa metodologia identificamos quais parâmetros utilizados para cães domésticos podem ser transcendidos para o canídeo silvestre e, a partir daí serem úteis para a área de anestesiologia veterinária.

An expedition crowdfunded by aquarists to a region of the Brazilian state of Pará drained by the Tapajós and Xingu river basins resulted in the capture of five species of Corydoras from the rio Jamanxim basin, a tributary to the rio Tapajós, of which three could be confirmed as new and described herein. The new species can be promptly diagnosed from their congeners by the combination of features related to color pattern and osteology. Considering the gathered information on color patterns and morphology plus field observations, the new species are considered to compose two distinct Müllerian mimicry rings, with two of them forming a mimetic pair, while the third one forms a pair with a fourth nonidentified species captured in the same expedition. An identification key to the species of Corydoras from the rio Tapajós basin is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspidoras comprises 25 species currently considered as valid, being widely distributed in Brazil, occurring from the upper rio Paraná basin in São Paulo to coastal basins of Ceará. After Nijssen, Isbrücker's review more than 40 years ago, no extensive work regarding the taxonomy of Aspidoras was conducted. Our paper presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus, based primarily on the extensive material that has been collected since then. Considering the new diagnosis plus the available phylogenetic data, A. pauciradiatus and A. virgulatus are transferred to Corydoras and Scleromystax, respectively. New synonymies are proposed: A. eurycephalus and A. taurus with A. albater; A. menezesi and A. spilotus with A. raimundi; and A. microgalaeus and A. marianae with A. poecilus. Additionally, a new species from the Araguaia and Paraguay river basins is described, which can be distinguished from its congeners by the morphology of its complex vertebra and infraorbital 1. Thereby, the number of valid species within Aspidoras was reduced from 25 to 18. Redescriptions for A. albater, A. belenos, A. depinnai, A. fuscoguttatus, A. lakoi, A. maculosus, A. poecilus, A. psammatides, A. raimundi, and A. velites are provided. An identification key to the species of Aspidoras is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Puma concolor is one of the largest carnivores present in Chile, although its size varies according to the geographical area in which it is found. It is increasingly common to find them outside their habitat and more in our environment. Its ecological, reproductive and nutritional aspects are known, but very little is known about its anatomy, which creates a challenge in the veterinary morphological area that needs strengthening. The present study consisted of an anatomical description of the appendicular skeleton of three adult specimens of Puma concolor (3 males) in the veterinary anatomy laboratory of the Universidad San Sebastián, headquarters of Patagonia Puerto Montt, which allowed a detailed study of the conformation of the skeleton of each structure present in the thoracic appendicular skeleton of these specimens. This allowed us to achieve results of morphological interest and delve into the anatomy of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En el centro de la Cuenca Neuquina, la Formación Huincul está caracterizada por potentes depósitos fluviales del Cretácico Superior que afloran ampliamente al sur y al noroeste de la Dorsal de Huincul. El registro fósil de vertebrados de la Formación Huincul es particularmente abundante, sobre todo considerando la fauna de dinosaurios saurisquios, la cual incluye diferentes formas de terópodos (Mapusaurus, Taurovenator, Aoniraptor, Skorpiovenator, Ilokelesia, Gualicho, Overoraptor, Tralkasaurus y Huinculsaurus) y saurópodos (Choconsaurus, Argentinosaurus, Cathartesaura, Limaysaurus y el rebaquisáurido indeterminado MMCH-Pv-49). En este trabajo presentamos nuevas evidencias de saurópodos rebaquisáuridos procedentes de la localidad de El Orejano (provincia del Neuquén, Argentina), donde afloran areniscas gruesas referidas a la sección inferior de la Formación Huincul. Estos nuevos materiales corresponden a tres elementos axiales que atribuimos a la familia Rebbachisauridae: un arco neural dorsal incompleto (MAU-Pv-EO-633), una vértebra dorsal incompleta (MAU-Pv-EO-634), y una vértebra caudal casi completa (MAU-Pv-EO-666). Estos especímenes comparten distintos caracteres con los miembros de dicha familia, sin embargo presentan algunas diferencias morfológicas con otras formas de rebaquisáuridos que indican una fauna más diversificada en el centro de la Cuenca Neuquina de lo que se conocía, por lo menos durante la transición Cenomaniano/ Turoniano. Este registro de la nueva localidad fosilífera de El Orejano no solo permite ampliar nuestro conocimiento sobre la diversidad morfológica de la familia Rebbachisauridae durante el Cretácico Tardío temprano, sino que también aporta nueva información sobre los últimos estadios de la historia evolutiva del clado, representando uno de los registros más modernos de la familia.

Una nueva especie de bagre en peligro de extinción del género Cambeva (Cambeva gamabelardense sp. n.) (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae) en la cuenca hidrográfica del río Chapecó, en el sur del Brasil Se ha registrado una gran diversidad de especies no descritas para las corrientes rápidas del sur de Brasil, algunas de las cuales habitan zonas sometidas a un intenso proceso de degradación ambiental, lo que hace que sea urgente describir estas especies formalmente como primer paso para elaborar estrategias de conservación. La nueva especie descrita aquí, Cambeva gamabelardense sp. n., fue encontrada en el tramo medio del río Chapecó, en la cuenca del río Uruguay, en una zona sometida a una intensa deforestación y al cultivo de soja, lo que pone a las especies piscícolas en riesgo de extinción. Se considera que la nueva especie está estrechamente relacionada con C. panthera, que se encuentra en una cuenca costera aislada, a unos 380 km de la zona habitada por la nueva especie, ya que ambas especies comparten un patrón de color similar al del jaguar en el flanco. La nueva especie se diferencia de C. panthera en que tiene barbillas más cortas, una posición relativa diferente del origen de la aleta dorsal y más vértebras, además de tener características osteológicas únicas entre sus congéneres.

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad is the property of Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Instituto de Biologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We propose a revised classification of Doradidae based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data for one nuclear (rag1) and two mitochondrial (co1, 16s) genes, and corroborated by caudal-fin morphology. The molecular dataset comprises 174 doradid specimens representing all 31 valid genera, 83 of the 96 valid extant species and 17 species-level taxa that remain undescribed or nominally unassigned. Parsimony and Bayesian analyses of molecular data support six major lineages of doradids assigned here to three nominal subfamilies (Astrodoradinae, Doradinae, Wertheimerinae) and three new ones (Acanthodoradinae, Agamyxinae, Rhinodoradinae). The maximum parsimony topology of Doradidae was sensitive to ingroup density and outgroup age. With the exceptions of Astrodoradinae and Doradinae, each subfamily is diagnosed by caudal-fin characteristics. The highest degree of fusion among skeletal elements supporting the caudal fin is observed in Acanthodoradinae and Aspredinidae, lineages that are sister to the remaining doradids and aspredinoids (i.e., Auchenipteridae + Doradidae), respectively. Fusion among caudal-fin elements tends to be higher in taxa with rounded, truncate or emarginate tails and such taxa typically occupy shallow, lentic habitats with ample structure. Caudal-fin elements are more separated in taxa with moderately to deeply forked tails that occupy lotic habitats in medium to large river channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toy rabbits are selected for their paedomorphic ('babyish') appearance. The main objective of this study is to analyse the skull asymmetries of toy rabbits. For this purpose, a total of 46 adult skulls (9 males and 37 females) were studied. Geometric morphometric technique with five pairs of anatomical landmarks and three on sagittal plane on dorsal aspect of skull was used. Our hypothesis is that through artificial selection on males (which are the main subject for obtaining new phenotypes among toys) asymmetries will be expressed as higher asymmetrical values. Skulls' size was similar between sexes, but males presented a higher level of fluctuating asymmetry. Fluctuating asymmetry indicates a negative ability to buffer subtle developmental anomalies, normally from genetic or environmental origin. In other words, males would be under stronger directed selection and consequently be more affected by management (including selective) factors compared to females. These results can allow a better understanding of the patterns and processes underlying sexual shape dimorphism, especially with extreme phenotypes, as toy rabbits are. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sutural bones have anatomical and medico-legal importance. They are observed in the sutures of the bony head and are traditionally described as flat, supernumerary, irregular, inconstant, independent and of variable morphology and frequency. Currently, there is no single classification of these bones that incorporates all the categories described in the literature. The objective of this work was to propose an updated classification of these elements, based on an exhaustive bibliographic review and the analysis of the skulls of Chilean individuals. The sample used corresponds to 113 sutural bones present in 12 dry skulls of Chilean adults. The classification considers its location on the head (skull or face), its embryonic origin, its relationship to a fontanelle, its shape, its position on the face, and its relationship to bone tables. The data obtained was recorded in a specially designed format and digital photographs were taken. As a general result, we were able to develop a complete and satisfactory classification of sutural bones proposal and with it, the bones of the sample were analyzed, showing the presence of all categories of the instrument. We were also able to verify that sutural bones were observed in all the skulls used, that male skulls present a greater number of these bones, but that in the female skulls it was possible to recognize all types of sutural bones, among other results. A type of sutural bone not previously described, the shaped point cranial sutural bone, was also evidenced. As a conclusion to this work, it is important to highlight that sutural bones present characteristics common to other structures used in forensic identification, that is, they are perennial, unique, easily observed, easily compared and great variability, for these reasons the present classification proposal allows it to be proposed as an auxiliary methodology in human identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of miniature fish of the characid genus Priocharax is described from a small lake near the rio Ipixuna, rio Purus drainage, Amazonas State, Brazil. It is distinguished from all congeners except P. pygmaeus by the lower number of teeth on the maxilla and dentary. It differs from P. pygmaeus by the presence of two postcleithra and 22-27 branched anal-fin rays (vs absence and 19-22). The new species is further distinguished from other species of Priocharax by a combination of characters involving the number of pelvic-fin rays and branched anal-fin rays, the number of postcleithra, the shape of postcleithrum 3, and the absence of the claustrum. Molecular evidence based on COI sequences of all valid species of Priocharax also corroborates the validity of this new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skeleton of the thoracic limb is one of the key aspects for the understanding of the habits and movement of different mammalian species. Considering the gap about studies related to marsupial osteology, this work proposes to study the aspects inherent to the skeleton of opossums, with emphasis on the detailed anatomical description of the bones that form the thoracic limb. For this purpose, the bones of six specimens of possums of the species Didelphis albiventris were used. These small to medium sized marsupials inhabit a wide range of South America, living in several types of habitats, being commonly described as arboreal omnivores and have anthropic habits. For the execution of this study, the bone accidents perceptible in the specimens were identified by superficial palpation, which were then radiographed. The thoracic limb bones were prepared by boiling and drying in the sun. Finally, from the radiographic images and the prepared bones, a detailed description of the anatomy of the bone components of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris was made, joining the previously obtained data of surface anatomy. These data were compared with data from the literature, discussing the functional significance of the osteological findings of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tamanduás, bichos-preguiça e tatus são considerados xenarthras, devido a possuírem articulações adicionais nas vértebras denominadas de xenarthro, justificando a Superordem. Estas articulações permitem-lhes assumir uma postura ereta sobre um tripé formado pelos membros posteriores e a cauda. No entanto, a determinação desses processos vertebrais no bicho-preguiça é inexistente na literatura. Devido à importância do conhecimento das estruturas ósseas dos animais para o entendimento de seus hábitos, propôs-se descrever o processo xenarthro na preguiça Bradypus variegatus. Foram utilizados três esqueletos, sendo um jovem e dois adultos pertencentes ao acervo do Museu de Anatomia Comparada da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (MAC-UFRPE). Realizou-se uma análise macroscópica das vértebras das preguiças. Pode-se descrever os xenarthros como processos presentes na última vértebra torácica, em todas as vértebras lombares, e na primeira vértebra sacral, medindo em média 0,5 cm, sendo localizado ventralmente ao processo mamilar formando com este uma concavidade, onde se articula a base do processo transverso da vértebra anterior e é este encaixe diferenciado que garante uma maior estabilidade ao animal.

Copyright of Actualizaciones en Osteología is the property of Asociacion Argentina de Osteologia y Metabolismo Mineral and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The typical long-snouted species of Corydoras from the río de La Plata basin were reviewed herein, and the previously proposed synonymy of Corydoras ellisae was corroborated. Corydoras areio and C. aurofrenatus are diagnosed from their congeners, excluding those in lineage 1, by the following features: temporal sensory canal in sphenotic with two pores; upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three or four series of teeth; fleshy flap at mouth corner. Corydoras areio differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having infraorbital 2 with relatively wider posterior laminar expansion; absence of large patches of black pigmentation on the body and absence of conspicuous concentration of dark brown or black chromatophores on anterior portion of the dorsal fin; and presence of blotches on flanks not aligned in longitudinal series. Corydoras aurofrenatus differs from all lineage 1 congeners by having ventral surface of head and trunk densely covered by small, not coalescent platelets; middle portion of flank with two or three dark brown or black patches (below the dorsal-fin, below the adipose-fin base, and on the caudal peduncle base, diffuse and variably present), patches decreasing in size posteriorly; poorly developed fleshy flap at the corner of mouth; anteroventral portion of cleithrum exposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pottery Mound is a large Ancestral Puebloan site situated within the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) region of New Mexico. This article adds to our understanding of relationships between Pottery Mound, the Western Pueblos, and Mexico through use of biological distance analysis based on dental nonmetric traits. Extensive material and cultural influences, as well as migration events from Western Pueblos to Pottery Mound, have been proposed by several scholars, while others have highlighted parallels to Mexico, especially Paquimé. A total of 1,528 individuals from the U.S. Southwest and Mexico were used to examine relationships between Pottery Mound and these areas. We find no evidence of close biological similarity between Pottery Mound and the Western Pueblos or northern Mexico. Instead, the results indicate biological affinity between Pottery Mound and sites in the MRG region and Mogollon areas. This similarity suggests that although there is evidence for trade between Pottery Mound and other sites in the southwestern United States and Mesoamerica, trade may not have been accompanied by significant gene flow from those areas from which the trade goods originated. It is possible that neighboring regions, such as the Mogollon, served as intermediaries for trade between Pottery Mound and distant regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the Patagonian huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus) is endangered. Anatomical studies focused on understanding the anatomy of the deer most threatened by extinction in South America is a challenge for anatomists, veterinarians and biologists. Research carried out for its conservation has focused mainly on its ecology and pathology, leaving gaps in anatomical knowledge, which is basic and important for a comprehensive understanding of this species. Gross anatomy and radiography of the skeleton of the pelvic limb was performed in three adult Patagonian huemul. Bone specimens of three skeletally mature Patagonian huemul deer were used for gross osteological and radiographic studies. This study was conducted to reveal the morphometric and morphological features of the ossa membri pelvini of the Patagonian huemul. The main findings suggest the presence of powerful extensor muscles in the coxofemoral, femorotibial and tarsal joints, useful during walking, jogging and propulsion in deer. In general, the MNF of Patagonian huemul differ in position with respect to domestic ungulates. In addition, the presence of a notch or obturator canal was observed, with variability in morphology and development among the specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle meningeal artery is an important vessel that is distributed in the endocranium region, between greater wing of sphenoid by the homonymous groove. There are few references on the formation of bone bridges in their trajectory, an aspect of relevance in morphology. The present study included 100 skulls -dried and whole heads- of adults, removing the calvaria, and identifying the spinous foramen, through which the middle meningeal artery courses to determine the existence or not of bone bridges -unilateral, bilateral or absence- for the passage of this artery. Of 100 adult skulls analyzed, it was found at the level of the medial aspect of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone and in its internal table, 73 % presented it and in 27 % there was absence. Of the specimens with bone bridges, 39 % were bilateral and of the latter, 34 % was unilateral and 16 % was on the right and 18 % on the left. The bony bridge for the middle meningeal artery is an anatomical constant that must be evaluated in anatomical, clinical and surgical considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Caribbean Ornithology is the property of Society for the Conservation & Study of Caribbean Birds and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Diversification in the supply of fish farming has led to the hybridization of high commercial value species, such as the large catfish of the Pimelodidae family, in search of the improvement of relevant characteristics. However, one of the main problems of this practice is that morphologically the hybrids are similar to the parental lines or with intermediate forms difficult to differentiate. The new morphometric tools as geometry have managed to quantitatively evaluate the morphological changes, contributing to clarify problems of morphological differentiation. In order to evaluate the morphometric relationships and establish whether, the analyzed characteristics are intermediate in the hybrid with respect to the parental lines, the morphometric characterization of 20 adult specimens of Pseudoplatystoma metaense, was performed 21 of Leiarius marmoratus and 12 of the hybrid Pseudoplatystoma metaense x Leiarius marmoratus, for a total of 53 individuals evaluated. Linear morphometry analyses were performed, using body and cranial measurements, sustained in the analysis of principal and discriminating components, as a way of evaluating the contour of the specimens. For the osteological analysis, the neurocranium was used, obtained by means of the maceration protocol; with photographs; these were analyzed using geometric morphometry with the programs of the IMP series. Thus, it was found that the similarities observed at first sight in the hybrid with respect to their parentals, are not representative and therefore, statistically, three defined morphological groups that separate the parental species and the hybrid, thus obtaining an easy-to-identify tool. In the osteological analysis, similarities were found between the neurocraniums of the hybrid and Pseudoplatystoma metaense, which raises a pattern of inheritance in which possible convergences and divergences can be evaluated, as a result of hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815) is the largest canid in South America, weighs about 25 kg as an adult and is threatened of extinction. Anatomical descriptions contribute to the complementation of information on wild species and for conservation, clinical and surgical implications. The purpose of this study was to describe the bones and muscles of the forearm and hand of the maned wolf. The methodology was through the usual dissecting methods in animals preserved in 10% formalin solution. The animals belong to the didactic collection of the Laboratory of Teaching and Research in Wild Animals of the UFU and come from run over. The bones evaluated were: radius, ulna, carpal accessory, carpi ulnar and carpi intermedium; carpal bones I, II, III and IV; metacarpal bones I, II, III, IV, V; proximal phalanges, middle phalanges and distal phalanges from first to fifth finger. The muscles observed were: radial extensor carpal; pronator round; brachioradial; common extensor of fingers; ulnar carpal extensor; lateral extensor of the fingers; supinator; abductor long finger I; flexor carpi radialis; flexor deep fingers; superficial flexor of the fingers; ulnar flexor of the carpus; square pronator; interflexor; lumbrils; short abductor of fingers I and II and short flexor of finger I. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Paralithoxus is described from the Ajarani River, a small tributary of the Branco River basin, Roraima State, Brazilian Amazon. The genus Paralithoxus comprises species described from the Essequibo drainage in Guyana, Approuague and Maroni in French Guiana, Suriname River in Surinam, and more recently, from Jari and Amapá rivers, in Brazil. Despite occurring in a rock-bottomed fast-flowing stream as the other species of Paralithoxus, this is the first species of the genus collected at 900 m altitude, in the Serra da Mocidade highlands, an isolated and poorly accessible small mountain chain at the southern border of the Guiana Shield. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by having truncate teeth, color pattern with green spots on dark olive-brown background, alternating dark and light blotches on fins and by the pelvic fin being as long as or longer than the pectoral fin. Sex dimorphism of the species is described. Comments on morphology and osteology are provided and compared with congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to describe the anatomical accidents of the long bones of the thoracic limb of Tamandua tetradactyla by means of macroscopic and radiographic analyzes. We used 34 specimens, which were death by running over. Evaluation of the humerus demonstrated the same structures present in domestic animals, besides others without previous description. In the forearm, radius and ulna were completely separated, and although, like the humerus, some of the same anatomical accidents described in other species were identified, we also noticed particularities. All the structures described in the macroscopic analysis were identified on radiography, when performed in at least two orthogonal projections. The anatomic-radiographic structures of the long bones of T. tetradactyla showed great anatomical variation compared to other mammals, which makes the species very unique. Thus knowledge of their particularities is fundamental for safer clinical-surgical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mandibular notch is located on the superior margin, between two prominent processes of the mandibular ramus, the coronoid and condylar processes. The mandibular notch permits the entry of the masseteric artery, vein and nerve to the deep surface the masseteric muscle. Literary reports documented variations in both, the shape and size of the mandibular notch. Therefore, this study aimed to document the morphology and morphometry of the mandibular notch in the South African Black and Indian population groups and to determine their relationship to sex, age and race (if any). The morphometric and morphological parameters of the mandibular notch were measured and assessed in 149 digital panoramic radiographs and 51 dry mandible specimens (n=400) belonging to the South African Black African and Indian population groups. A combination of classification schemes by Mohammad et al. (2012) and Shakya et al. (2013) were adopted to assess the morphology of the mandibular notch. The morphometric parameter was measured using the Dicom x-ray viewer and a digital vernier caliper. Each of the morphometric and morphological parameters were statistically analyzed using SPSS, to determine if a relationship existed between the afore-mentioned parameters and sex, age and race. This study recorded the round shaped mandibular notch to be the most prevalent type in both sexes with a combined incidence of 44.2 %. The length of the mandibular notch was reported to be greater in males than females and concurred with previous studies. However, the selected South African group displayed a smaller mandibular notch than the Japanese and Chinese population groups. Furthermore, this study documented population differences among the South African population group, as the Black African population group showed a wider mandibular notch than the Indian population group. This suggests that population-specific differences may exist for both the morphological and morphometric parameters of the mandibular notch. However, only a statistically significant relationship between the length of the mandibular notch with age and race was documented. The mandibular notch may be of clinical significance to maxillofacial surgeons for surgical and reconstructive procedures, in addition it may also aid forensic anthropologists in the identification of unknown remains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The articles in this issue present bioarchaeological case studies from across the globe, including North and Central America, East Asia, Europe, and the Near East. Some bioarchaeology projects are new and others are decades old, but common challenges emerge as researchers apply conservation standards to real situations in the field: a lack of training or resources for long-term curation of human remains, the lag between excavation and analysis of remains, and environmental challenges that include melting permafrost, tropical storms, and a variety of pests such as molds, fungi, bats, snakes, and insects. The studies also address ethical considerations about the use of digital images of human remains, molecular and isotopic methods that require the destruction of human tissue samples, the ability of fast-paced cultural resource management (CRM) projects to address the needs of descendant communities, and the responsibility that we have to the people we study. Techniques for addressing these challenges include new computer programs, more advanced photographic software, and research on the effects of conservation techniques that provide new "standards" for bioarchaeologists. We highlight the importance of each contribution and discuss the future of conservation in bioarchaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La determinación sexual es la base del estudio sistemático de restos óseos humanos. En este trabajo se explora la eficiencia diagnóstica relativa de dos técnicas utilizadas para la determi-nación sexual en mandíbulas del sitio Médano Petroquímica, Argentina. Los métodos usa-dos fueron la inflexión del borde posterior de la rama mandibular y el método tradicio-nal basado en múltiples rasgos morfológicos mandibulares. El sexo se determinó indepen-dientemente por dos técnicos entrenados quienes aplicaron tres veces cada método. Los resultados muestran una mayor consistencia operacional interna y eficiencia relativa en la aplicación del método tradicional. Se concluye que, al menos en el caso de los entierros se-cundarios considerados, la técnica de Loth y Henneberg (1996) no es un sustituto confiable de la técnica tradicional.