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Title: Ontogenetic variability of the intertympanic sinus distinguishes lineages within Crocodylia
Abstract The phylogenetic relationships within crown Crocodylia remain contentious due to conflicts between molecular and morphological hypotheses. However, morphology‐based datasets are mostly constructed on external characters, overlooking internal structures. Here, we use 3D geometric morphometrics to study the shape of the intertympanic sinus system in crown crocodylians during ontogeny, in order to assess its significance in a taxonomic context. Intertympanic sinus shape was found to be highly correlated with size and modulated by cranial shape during development. Still, adult sinus morphology distinguishes specimens at the family, genus and species level. We observe a clear distinction between Alligatoridae and Longirostres, a separation of differentCrocodylusspecies and the subfossil Malagasy genusVoay, and a distinction between theTomistomaandGavialislineages. Our approach is independent of molecular methods but concurs with the molecular topologies. Therefore, sinus characters could add significantly to morphological datasets, offering an alternative viewpoint to resolve problems in crocodylian relationships.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1902242
PAR ID:
10555495
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Anatomy
Volume:
242
Issue:
6
ISSN:
0021-8782
Page Range / eLocation ID:
1096 to 1123
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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