Zoomorphology最新文献

The study describes the anatomy vertebrae of the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio; Linnaeus, 1758) using 3D micro-CT and Semiquantitative Elemental Microanalysis (EDX), which helps to understand the ontogeny and factors that determine the biomechanics of bones in wild fish. The study of Common carp vertebrae revealed a complex and heterogeneous structure, with a variety of components contributing to their function and stability. The vertebral bodies were composed of lamellar trabeculae and internal hollow spaces, while the neural and hemal arches were composed of bony trabeculae and connected by a lace-like structure. The results of EDX analysis demonstrated the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, sodium, carbon, magnesium, and chlorine, among others. The calcium to phosphorus ratio was within the ranges described in teleost, suggesting good bone health. The presence of magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, and nitrogen is due to their essential role in different biological processes. In addition, a difference was observed between the trabeculae present in the vertebrae of the abdominal and caudal segments, suggesting a relationship between the density of each bone and its function. These findings contribute to the understanding of the structure and function of vertebrae in wild Common carp and may have implications for understanding the evolution of the vertebral column in fish in general.

The pumpkin fruit fly, Bactrocera tau (Walker) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is one of the most serious insect pests of fruits, vegetables and nuts over the world due to its polyphagous nature and high reproductive rate. To gain insight into their sensory system, the external morphology, typology, density, and distribution of sensilla on full bodies of both adult male and female B. tau were observed using a scanning electron microscope. The observed sensilla showed organ as well as sex specific differences. Seven previously described sensilla (two non-olfactory, five olfactory with 17 subtypes) and a new sensillum named as “branched sensilla” (two subtypes) were identified and observed on the different body parts. Olfactory sensilla named as sensilla trichodea and sensilla basiconica were reported on the compound eyes for the first time. Majority of the olfactory sensilla were reported on the head appendages. The presence of species-specific as well as sex-specific branched sensilla in females showed different typology patterns of sensilla. The potential roles of observed sensilla were hypothesized through comparative analysis with prior research. The current findings can provide a reference for understanding the diversity of various olfactory and non-olfactory sensilla in B. tau as well as sex-specific morphological differences and functions of various body parts; thereby, aiding in the development of precise methods for regulating and managing insect behaviour.

The olfaction in batoids have an important role for initial detection of the chemical stimulus produced by prey during the foraging activities. The present study relates the morphology of olfactory rosettes to the habitat use and feeding habits in four potamotrygonin species. The morphological and histological descriptions of the olfactory structures are provided, using preserved olfactory rosettes. A simpler structure of olfactory organs in Paratrygon sp. does not indicate a primary sensory role during the initial phase of its feeding behavior. In Potamotrygon wallacei, the largest surface area of primary lamellae suggests enhanced olfactory sensitivity related to its generalist feeding habits and complex substrate exploration. Although the gross morphology is similar, histological analyses revealed that the sensory and non-sensory regions present differences in epithelial cell composition among species, with variations in the secondary folds shape and the distribution of mucus cells. The simplicity of secondary folds in both Paratrygon sp. and Potamotrygon orbignyi probably is related to their specialized feeding habits, requiring fewer adaptations to detect different types of chemical stimuli. These findings provide insights into the functional morphology of olfactory organs in potamotrygonin stingrays and their ecological implications, evidencing the intricate sensory adaptations crucial for foraging success in diverse freshwater habitats. Additionally, it becomes necessary to take into account the contribution of all sensory systems to understand their foraging behavior. Nonetheless, the generalization of the morphological characteristics of olfactory organ in a potamotrygonin species requires caution, since morphological variations can be found, especially to widespread species.

The insect parasitoid, Pediobius imbreus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), which has a diverse host range, probably possesses various antennal sensilla (sensory organs) to assist the parasitoid in host searching and ensuring its survival. In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution and morphology of the antennal sensilla of both female and male P. imbreus using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM results revealed that P. imbreus has seven antennomeres on its geniculate antenna, which is composed of scape, pedicel, and five flagellomeres. Numerous antennal sensilla types were observed on the P. imbreus antennae: trichoid sensilla types 1–8; placoid sensilla types 1–2; and basiconic sensilla. The female P. imbreus exhibits a greater abundance of sensilla on both its dorsal and ventral surfaces compared to the male. The trichoid sensilla are the most abundant sensillum type found on the antennae of P. imbreus, followed by placoid sensilla and basiconic sensilla. By comparison, the female P. imbreus have more diverse types of sensilla, which are longer than that of male. Overall, the female antenna and its trichoid sensilla type 6 are significantly (P < 0.05) longer than that of the male. The male P. imbreus does not have trichoid sensilla type 8 and placoid sensilla type 2. The potential roles of the antennal sensilla in host detection based on their location and morphology will be discussed. The knowledge obtained will aid future research on the host localization in P. imbreus.

Rhizotrogini are one of the most typical phytophagous scarab beetles, named primarily for their larvae attacking plant roots. Miridiba trichophora is the most widely distributed species of its genus. Its larvae are the main harmful stage and the primary target for control efforts. However, identifying M. trichophora larvae in the field is difficult due to the serious lag in larval classification work. In this study, the larvae of M. trichophora were obtained through rearing and observed using light and scanning electron microscopy. The larvae of M. trichophora are peculiar for the labrum possessing two curved horizonal ridges, the epipharynx equipped with 14 heli and a proplegmatium, the raster furnished with numerous prominent setae pointing the inconspicuous palidia, and the spiracles on the seven- and eighth abdominal segments being comparative larger than the other abdominal spiracles.

Given discrepancies identified in current veterinary anatomy textbooks, we aimed to re-examine the anatomic patterns of the extensor tendons of the manus considering their prevalence and measurements. This study was conducted based on the dissection of the right and left distal forelimbs of 22 domestic short-haired cats (12 females and 10 males), fixed in 10% formalin solution. In the most frequent specimens (23 of 44 distal limbs -52.3%-), the m. extensor digitorum lateralis consisted of three bellies which sent three tendons to digits III-V and a tendon branch to digit II, which united with the extensor digiti I et II tendon to that digit, or inserted onto the medial aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint capsule of digit III in 9.1% of distal limbs. In other cases, the tendon branch to digit II was absent or arose directly from the most medial belly of this muscle in 25% and 13.6% of distal limbs, respectively. The m. extensor digiti I et II was found to have two unequal bellies, leading to two medial and lateral tendons. The tendons exhibited 5 different configurations. In the most common specimens (68.2%), the medial tendon was bifurcated into two branches to digit I and the medial aspect of digit II as well as the lateral tendon ran to the lateral aspect of digit II to join the corresponding tendon of the extensor digitorum communis. According to this study, the current concepts of veterinary anatomical texts about the common pattern of the extensor tendons of the manus of domestic cats need to be revised, which could greatly contribute to the teaching of veterinary anatomy.

One of the challenges in the management of Kinosternon scorpioides is related to egg quality, since mineral deficiencies affect egg production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructure and mineral composition of eggshells, and their relation to K. scorpioides embryonic skeletogenesis. Eggs were collected, incubated and distributed into three groups: 1- pre-ossification (PO); 2- bone ossification (BO); and 3- complete ossification (CO). Nine samples were included in the PO and BO groups, and six in the CO group, for a total of 24 eggs. The morphological and mineral analyses of the eggs were performed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The embryos from the BO and CO groups were cleared with potassium hydroxide and stained with alcian blue and alizarin red to observe osteogenesis. The results showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the amount of shell calcium between the PO (63.14%) and CO (41.95%) groups, as well as in the shell thickness between the same groups (PO: 305.38 ± 60.27 μm; CO: 197.67 ± 40.28 μm), and BO (289.56 ± 55.87 μm) and CO groups. It is suggested that the gradual mobilization of calcium by the embryo is reflected in the decrease in shell thickness. In addition, the first structures to ossify were the dermatocranium and mandible. The CO group, in which the individuals all had established bone structures, had the lowest calcium concentration of eggshells. Approximately 21% of the shell calcium was absorbed, which suggests participation in the embryo skeletogenesis. Understanding calcium dynamics as they relate to shell quality and embryonic development of K. scorpioides highlights the importance of including this mineral in the diet of breeding females and, consequently, in improving offspring production.

Phylogenetically, the yolk sac is an ancient structure in vertebrate evolution and crucial in the placentation of viviparous animals, playing an essential role in embryogenesis. Considering that the yolk sac persists until birth in rodents, forming an active placenta, this study aimed to describe the yolk sac development process in red-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) during the early gestation phase and associating the progression to morphological changes in other structures. To this end, six female red-rumped agoutis obtained from CEMAS-UFERSA were monitored for 24 h. The first gestation day was defined as 24 h post-copulation. Samplings were carried out on the 13th, 14th and 15th pregnancy days. Pregnant uteri were fixed in 8% paraformaldehyde for 72 h and histologically processed, with 5 μm sections stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and analyzed under a light microscope. On the 13th day, the blastocyst is implanted on the antimesometrial side of the uterus, surrounded by uterine stromal cells organizing themselves around this structure. On the 14th day, the intramural wall between the uterus and the embryo begins to break down and the parietal yolk sac exhibits spindle cells, while the visceral yolk sac presents eosinophilic cuboidal cells. On the 15th day, the intramural layer is almost completely ruptured, revealing a vascular bed between the embryo and the decidua. The visceral yolk sac did not yet contain its characteristic villi at this stage. Blastocyst formation and yolk sac differentiation take place between the 13th and 15th pregnancy days. The yolk sac inversion process is also described, taking place between the 14th and 15th gestation days, which had not yet been documented for red-rumped agoutis.

The marine teleost family Stichaeidae shows considerable variation in the morphology of mechanosensory lateral-line canals across its six subfamilies, 38 genera, and 82 species. Some species have reduced cephalic canals and no trunk canals, others have a full cephalic canal system and a single trunk canal that extends the length of the body, and others have complex, branched cephalic canals and multiple trunk canals with branching. In this study, fractal techniques are used to quantify the complexity of lateral-line systems of 21 species of Stichaeidae, representing all six subfamilies and the full range of mechanosensory system configurations within the family. The fractal dimension, D, ranged from 0.9769 in Bryozoichthys lysimus, which has reduced cephalic canals and lacks trunk canals, to 1.5704 in Phytichthys chirus, which has a complex cephalic canal network and multiple, complexly branching trunk canals. Species with more complex cephalic and trunk canals had higher values of D. The error associated with repeatedly measuring the same individual multiple times was consistently low, suggesting that fractal analyses is an accurate and precise method for quantifying the complexity of mechanosensory lateral-line canals. Such information may benefit studies of mechanosensory system evolution and function.

Lizards are historically recognized for the ability to voluntarily amputate and regenerate their tails. However, while caudal autotomy has been extensively studied, other types of amputations in lizards remain scientifically underestimated. The present study aimed to assess the extent of knowledge about different types of amputations in lizards and, specifically, to describe anatomically the patterns of limb amputations in Neotropical lizards. We first carried out a systematic bibliographic research regarding the subject, in four academic databases. Moreover, we anatomically described the amputations of seven specimens housed in scientific collections, using external morphological analysis and radiographic techniques. The bibliographic survey revealed that most amputations are related to caudal injuries (67%), while limb amputations accounted for only 24% of the records. Most records mentioned amputations in pelvic limbs (68%), the majority of amputations were provoked by medical-therapeutic procedures (96%), and the main method applied to analyze these lesions were microscopy techniques (80%). Most of the injuries evaluated in museum specimens were also in the hind limbs (86%), mainly involving ruptures in the tibia and fibula and in the femorotibial joint. We also described in detail two rare cases of regeneration of tail-shaped appendages in amputated hind limbs for two species of Neotropical lizards. Our findings revealed that natural amputations in lizard limbs constitute a promising knowledge field for future research, and reinforced the importance of using different assessment methods to investigate body injuries. Thus, we have contributed to the understanding of the causes and consequences of the limb amputation process in lizards.