Profound reversible seasonal changes of individual skull size in a mammal

摘要: Summary Postnatal size changes in most vertebrates are unidirectional and finite once the individual reaches full [1]. In rare cases, of body length may occur response to harsh environmental conditions. Such reactionary distinct from seasonal, often anticipatory morphological changes, such as reversible change some adult bird brains [2]. A unique pattern profound anatomical known Dehnel's phenomenon has been described for body, skull brain red-toothed shrews mustelids [3–5]. The seasonal 20% decrease 15% re-growth common proxy, braincase height, were documented at population level extracted skulls post-mortem. Quantifying intra-individual had so far methodologically prohibitive. Here, we followed mass throughout cycle wild recaptured ( Sorex araneus ). Using X-ray images showed that individuals decreased their braincases anticipation winter by an average 15.3%. Braincases then partially regrew spring 9.3%. Body 17.6% dramatically increased 83.4% spring. Thus, demonstrate dramatic incurred individual's bone other tissues.