Comparative cranial ontogeny of Tapirus (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

摘要: Skull morphology in tapirs is particularly interesting due to the presence of a proboscis with important trophic, sensory and behavioral functions. Several studies have dealt tapir skull osteology but chiefly comparative framework between fossil recent species tapirs. Only one study examined an aspect cranial ontogeny, development sagittal crest (Holbrook. J Zool Soc Lond 2002; 256; 215). Our goal describe detail morphological changes that occur during postnatal ontogeny two representative species, Tapirus terrestris indicus, explore possible functional consequences their developmental trajectories. We compared qualitative features on growth series 46 specimens T. terrestris ordered basis sequence eruption tooth wear, dividing sample into three age classes: class Y (very young juvenile), (from juvenile adult) A (full old adult). The analysis consisted describing each bone major structure, including type degree transformation (e.g. appearance, fusion) processes, foramina) articulations (sutures, synchondroses, synovial joints). then measured 23 variables included entire ontogenetic from newborn adults. applied statistical multivariate techniques allometric growth, results trends calculated for 25 T. indicus. Results show structure was largely conserved throughout T. terrestris, so remarkably similar overall shape, most significant localized masticatory apparatus, specifically maxillary tuber as support large-sized permanent postcanine dentition, correlated diastemata, mandibular body, nuchal crests. In nasal region, remodeling affected space meatal diverticulum surfaces origin musculature. Overall, trajectories exhibited more negative components T. indicus than they shared 47.83% trends. indicus differed significantly allometry toothrows, diastemata body. Thus, some seem be highly among studied, observed showed strong likely adaptive this lineage ungulates.