Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)

Members of the genus <i>Ctenomys</i> (tuco-tuco; Rodentia: Caviomorpha: Octodontidae) are considered scratch diggers. We compared the forelimbs of adult <i>C. azarae</i> with those of 13 species within other genera of caviomorph rodents to identify morphofunctional variation...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Elissamburu, Andrea, De Santis, Luciano José María
Formato: Articulo
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: 2011
Materias:
Zoología
Ciencias Naturales
Ctenomys
forelimb
fossorial adaptations
morphometry
Adaptación
Extremidades
Acceso en línea:http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/84133
Aporte de:
SEDICI (UNLP) de Universidad Nacional de La Plata
id I19-R120-10915-84133
record_format dspace
institution Universidad Nacional de La Plata
institution_str I-19
repository_str R-120
collection SEDICI (UNLP)
language Inglés
topic Zoología
Ciencias Naturales
Ctenomys
forelimb
fossorial adaptations
morphometry
Adaptación
Extremidades
spellingShingle Zoología
Ciencias Naturales
Ctenomys
forelimb
fossorial adaptations
morphometry
Adaptación
Extremidades
Elissamburu, Andrea
De Santis, Luciano José María
Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
topic_facet Zoología
Ciencias Naturales
Ctenomys
forelimb
fossorial adaptations
morphometry
Adaptación
Extremidades
description Members of the genus <i>Ctenomys</i> (tuco-tuco; Rodentia: Caviomorpha: Octodontidae) are considered scratch diggers. We compared the forelimbs of adult <i>C. azarae</i> with those of 13 species within other genera of caviomorph rodents to identify morphofunctional variation in osseous elements related to fossorial habits. Eight measurements of the humerus and ulna were used to construct five functional indices that were subjected to principal components analysis and simple comparisons among means. <i>Ctenomys</i> has a general morphology similar to that of terrestrial caviomorph rodents but exhibits some features that reflect its specialized fossorial condition, such as its comparatively large epicondyles. These features indicate greater muscular development and capacity for force production in the pronators and supinators of the forelimb and manus and flexors of the manus. The deltoid complex is well developed, indicating a large moment arm for the deltoid and latissimus dorsi muscles, which increases the capacity for force production on humeral flexion. Humeral indices are the best for differentiating fossorial forms from diggers, occasional diggers, generalized, and cursorial forms. Limb bone segments are used differently by highly fossorial and scratch-digging forms.
format Articulo
Articulo
author Elissamburu, Andrea
De Santis, Luciano José María
author_facet Elissamburu, Andrea
De Santis, Luciano José María
author_sort Elissamburu, Andrea
title Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
title_short Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
title_full Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
title_fullStr Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
title_full_unstemmed Forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>Ctenomys</i> (Caviomorpha)
title_sort forelimb proportions and fossorial adaptations in the scratch-digging rodent <i>ctenomys</i> (caviomorpha)
publishDate 2011
url http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar/handle/10915/84133
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bdutipo_str Repositorios
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