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Title: Comparative cranial osteology of European gekkotans (Reptilia, Squamata)
Comparative osteology of European lizards, and of European geckos in particular, is poorly known, resulting in problems when trying to determine to species isolated bones found as fossils or as remains of prey in scats or pellets. In order to partly solve this issue, we here present a detailed comparative analysis of the cranial bones of the four most broadly distributed species of European gekkotans: Euleptes europaea, Hemidactylus turcicus, Mediodactylus kotschyi and Tarentola mauritanica. The skulls of these species display both a set of features that are typical for geckos in general and unique features that can be employed to identify isolated bones of all considered species. Diagnostic differences are found in almost every bone (except the squamosal, epipterygoid and stapes), leading to the creation of a detailed diagnostic key. The dentition also displays some interspecific differences, even though all four species share a similar general tooth morphology, with pleurodont teeth provided with two parallel cutting edges separated by a groove-like space. Such a dentition is consistent with an arthropod-based diet.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1657656
PAR ID:
10092688
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Zoological journal of the Linnean Society
Volume:
184
Issue:
3
ISSN:
0024-4082
Page Range / eLocation ID:
857 - 895
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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