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Ontogeny of the paraphalanges and derived phalanges of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae).

Ontogeny of the paraphalanges and derived phalanges of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae).

Authors :
Griffing AH
Gamble T
Bauer AM
Russell AP
Source :
Journal of anatomy [J Anat] 2022 Oct; Vol. 241 (4), pp. 1039-1053. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Aug 03.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Gekkotan lizards of the genus Hemidactylus exhibit derived digital morphologies. These include heavily reduced antepenultimate phalanges of digits III and IV of the manus and digits III-V of the pes, as well as enigmatic cartilaginous structures called paraphalanges. Despite this well-known morphological derivation, no studies have investigated the development of these structures. We aimed to determine if heterochrony underlies the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus. Furthermore, we aimed to determine if convergently evolved paraphalanges exhibit similar or divergent developmental patterns. Herein we describe embryonic skeletal development in the hands and feet of four gekkonid species, exhibiting a range of digital morphologies. We determined that the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus are the products of paedomorphosis. Furthermore, we found divergent developmental patterns between convergently evolved paraphalanges.<br /> (© 2022 Anatomical Society.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1469-7580
Volume :
241
Issue :
4
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of anatomy
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35920508
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13735