Narial Novelty in Mammals: Case Studies and Rules of Construction

 
 
 
 

Narial Novelty in Mammals: Case Studies and Rules of Construction

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Title: Narial Novelty in Mammals: Case Studies and Rules of Construction
Author: Clifford, Andrew B
Description: Both anatomy and function of the enigmatic proboscis of moose and the nasal cavity of saiga are described. Dissection, sectioning, and skeletonisation of study specimens and related outgroups are supplemented with CT scans and other software-generated imaging to describe the structure of apomorphic narial tissues and skeletal modifications. Anatomy is used to assess previously suggested functions of these probosces and to advance new hypotheses based on novel anatomy. Moose noses possess elaborated nostril musculature and nasal cartilages which contribute to a nostril closing mechanism. Saiga have evolved an elaborated nasal vestibule which cleans air destined for lungs. Both probosces modify the bony naris in ways that have justified tapir-like trunks in fossil species. Integrating data from many different probosces, mammals follow limited rules of construction in proboscis-building. Outgroup anatomy constrains proboscis anatomy, and exaptation produces narial novelty. Muscular hydrostats and maxillolabial probosces leave the fewest osteological correlates, limiting proboscis reconstruction.
Permanent Link: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1069445156
http://hdl.handle.net/2374.OX/14751
Date: 2003

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