Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society最新文献

Phylogeny, biogeography, and diversification of the cicada Pomponia linearis and its allies (Hemiptera: Cicadidae) 蝉 Pomponia linearis 及其同类（半翅目：蝉科）的系统发育、生物地理学和多样性

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-04-15 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf019

Jiali Wang, Masami Hayashi, Cong Wei

{"title":"Phylogeny, biogeography, and diversification of the cicada Pomponia linearis and its allies (Hemiptera: Cicadidae)","authors":"Jiali Wang, Masami Hayashi, Cong Wei","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf019","url":null,"abstract":"The taxonomically chaotic Asian genus Pomponia is one of the more species-rich genera in Cicadidae, with multiple species groups and species complexes. To help understand the evolution of Pomponia, establish a time frame, and define species, we studied morphology and conducted molecular phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses of 394 individuals belonging to the Pomponia linearis species group and relatives using five or six genes, respectively. The most widely distributed species of Pomponia is confirmed to be P. linearis; Pomponia yayeyamanasyn. n. is recognized to be a junior synonym of P. linearis; Pomponia backanensissyn. n. is recognized to be a junior synonym of Pomponia subtilita; and six species are new to science. The phylogeny of Pomponia and related genera does not support the monophyly of Psithyristriini. The ancestor of the P. linearis species group is presumed to have originated from Hengduan Mountains and Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau at ~5.41 Mya and initially diversified during the Mid-Pliocene to Early Pleistocene. P. linearis comprises five subclades corresponding to geographically isolated populations. Dramatic Pleistocene climatic oscillations and niche vicariance were presumably the main drivers for the diversification of P. linearis and allies. This study improves understanding of the diversification, phylogeny, and dispersal history of cicadas in Eastern Asia.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143837085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Regional selection pressure and heterogeneous transitions shape diverse colour pattern in Pachyrhynchus weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) 区域选择压力和异质过渡塑造了象鼻虫（鞘翅目：食虫科）多样的颜色模式

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-04-15 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf013

Shan-Min Chen, Ace Kevin S Amarga, Reagan Joseph T Villanueva, Hui-Yun Tseng

{"title":"Regional selection pressure and heterogeneous transitions shape diverse colour pattern in Pachyrhynchus weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)","authors":"Shan-Min Chen, Ace Kevin S Amarga, Reagan Joseph T Villanueva, Hui-Yun Tseng","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf013","url":null,"abstract":"The evolution of colouration and patterns is a captivating aspect of biological research shaped by multiple factors. Pachyrhynchus weevils, known for their unpalatable nature owing to their tough elytra, inhabit the tropical regions of the Philippines and display intricate elytral patterns that contribute significantly to species diversity. To investigate the evolution of patterns in Pachyrhynchus weevils, we used the ultraconserved elements method to construct a phylogeny encompassing 99 species and to assess pattern evolution. These weevils exhibit flexibility in pattern expression, with a trend towards pattern retention and diversification rather than pattern loss, as indicated by the analyses of evolutionary transition rates. Furthermore, using phylogenetic generalized linear regression, we found that patterns are associated with specific geographical regions, suggesting that convergent evolution of patterns occurs among weevils. Finally, our analysis revealed that speciation rates are not consistent with the rates of pattern diversification. These results highlight the complexity of pattern evolution and suggest that varying selection pressures in different areas, such as predation, combined with frequent transitions in patterns, might contribute to the evolution of these patterns, potentially leading to a rich diversity among these island-dwelling insects.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"14 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143832512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Integrating morphology and molecular data to explore taxonomy, evolutionary history, and conservation of Italian endemic Forficulidae (Dermaptera)

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-04-08 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf009

Fabrizio Freda, Marco A Bologna, Paolo Fontana, Alessandra Riccieri

{"title":"Integrating morphology and molecular data to explore taxonomy, evolutionary history, and conservation of Italian endemic Forficulidae (Dermaptera)","authors":"Fabrizio Freda, Marco A Bologna, Paolo Fontana, Alessandra Riccieri","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf009","url":null,"abstract":"Italy hosts 27 species of Dermaptera, five belonging to Forficula, which were never thoroughly investigated. We integrated morphological (morphometric measurements) and molecular data (mitochondrial COI, 16S and nuclear 28S, ITS2) to revise the Italian species, focusing on the endemic taxa, and on the diversity within F. auricularia to reveal the presence of cryptic species. Our data were integrated with those available for other West Mediterranean Forficula. Our results confirmed the taxonomic status of the endemic F. apennina and F. silana, that belong to different lineages but share some morphological traits. The endemic Pseudochelidura orsinii and P.galvagnii resulted nested within Forficula, and a new taxonomic arrangement is proposed (Forficula orsinii: resurrected combination and Forficula galvagnii: new combination). Molecular data revealed the presence in Pantelleria and Sardinia of F. mediterranea, cryptic with F.auricularia and reported only from Spain and Morocco. Morphometric data showed a distinction between West Mediterranean and Italian specimens of F. mediterranea, indicating a divergent selection within this species. This study provides new insights for the Italian Forficulidae, highlighting the importance of combining different approaches in the study of species diversity for their conservation. Indeed, F.apennina and F. galvagnii are high altitude species which seem to be affected by global warming so much to raise fears for their conservation.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"74 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143805780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Diversity in owls’ (Strigiformes) hindlimbs: evolutionary and ecological influences on hindlimb bone proportions and their relation to prey preferences

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-04-01 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf014

Mariana B J Picasso, Laura M Biondi, Maria C Mosto, Guillermo H Cassini, Alejandro M Tudisca

{"title":"Diversity in owls’ (Strigiformes) hindlimbs: evolutionary and ecological influences on hindlimb bone proportions and their relation to prey preferences","authors":"Mariana B J Picasso, Laura M Biondi, Maria C Mosto, Guillermo H Cassini, Alejandro M Tudisca","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf014","url":null,"abstract":"In Strigiformes, which comprise the Tytonidae and Strigidae families, hindlimbs play a crucial role in prey capture. Yet, their bone proportions remain understudied despite the established link between avian hindlimb skeletal morphology and ecological traits. We examined the proportions of the femur, tibiotarsus, and tarsometatarsus in 18 owl species, investigating their associations with prey preferences, body mass, and phylogenetic signals. Our results indicate that owls generally have a short femur and tarsometatarsus, and a relatively long tibiotarsus, all exhibiting isometric scaling relative to body mass. Although evolutionary inheritance influences bone proportions, ecological influences become apparent when the three bones are considered together, highlighting adaptations associated with dietary demands. For instance, the long tarsometatarsus in barn owls facilitates swift movement in dense environments, aiding in the capture of small rodents; whereas in burrowing owls, it enhances terrestrial locomotion. The remaining species exhibited a relatively short tarsometatarsus, which enhances strength and responds to various biological demands, enabling the capture of different prey types and sizes, or improving stability during perching. Our findings suggest that Tytonidae and Strigidae diverged in dietary preferences early in their evolution, with Tytonidae specializing on small rodents and Strigidae evolving from insectivory to more generalized or mammals-based diets.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"13 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143745134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A reappraisal of the family status of Neotropical Protoneuridae (Odonata: Zygoptera) using morphological and molecular information

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-30 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf012

Pablo Pessacq, Danielle Anjos-Santos, Adolfo Cordero-Rivera, M Olalla Lorenzo-Carballa

{"title":"A reappraisal of the family status of Neotropical Protoneuridae (Odonata: Zygoptera) using morphological and molecular information","authors":"Pablo Pessacq, Danielle Anjos-Santos, Adolfo Cordero-Rivera, M Olalla Lorenzo-Carballa","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf012","url":null,"abstract":"Several comprehensive studies have greatly contributed to the clarification of Odonata phylogeny, paying special attention to the damselflies (Zygoptera). Nearly half of the species of Zygoptera are included in the family Coenagrionidae, but the status of some previously recognized families is still debated. Here, we present the results of phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and mitochondrial sequences and morphological data of 10 of the 15 Neotropical genera formerly included within the Neotropical family Protoneuridae, with the goal to test their monophyly and phylogenetic position within the Coenagrionidae sensu lato. Our analyses support the polyphyly of Protoneuridae, with Proneura prolongata and Junix elumbis falling within the ‘core’ Coenagrionidae, whereas the remaining Neotropical Protoneuridae included in our analyses form a monophyletic clade, sister to the ridged frons Coenagrionidae. Our results differ from previous analyses that suggested that the Protoneuridae were members of the ridged frons Coenagrionidae clade, most likely because our dataset has a wider coverage of the group, both in terms of taxa and data sources. We propose the redefinition of the Protoneuridae (excluding Proneura, Junix, and all the previously included Old-World genera) and its re-establishment as a redefined Protoneuridae family, which is characterized by several morphological and biological unique attributes.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"58 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143736828","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Eponyms of birds mostly honour scientists and show positive inclusivity trends

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-30 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf022

George Sangster

{"title":"Eponyms of birds mostly honour scientists and show positive inclusivity trends","authors":"George Sangster","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf022","url":null,"abstract":"In biological taxonomy, eponyms have become controversial, mostly because some believe that eponyms represent social injustice and include biases against women and people in non-western countries. Unfortunately, there are very few comprehensive quantitative studies of eponyms to inform this debate. In a data set of 28 395 names of valid bird genera, species and (non-nominate) subspecies, 6135 (21.6%) eponyms were identified. The proportion of eponyms has increased since the mid-20th century and was 43% in 2010–2022. Most honourees were scientists (71.5%), and this has been the case since the early 19th century. The proportion of scientists has increased significantly since 1900, whereas the proportion of facilitators of science (a group that includes collectors, sponsors, and artists) has declined significantly during the same period. Overall, there were strong biases towards males (93%) and people in western countries (93%). However, since 1900 the proportions of female and non-western honorifics have increased significantly, and in 2010–2022 these proportions were 17% and 30%, respectively. These trends are encouraging, because a large portion of (non-avian) biodiversity remains to be described. Therefore, there will be plenty of opportunities to compensate for past biases in groups other than birds.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143736829","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Molecular species delimitation and historical biogeography among species of the genus Partamona (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini), with emphasis on the Eastern group from South America

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-30 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf006

E A Miranda, C B Machado, M A Del Lama

{"title":"Molecular species delimitation and historical biogeography among species of the genus Partamona (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini), with emphasis on the Eastern group from South America","authors":"E A Miranda, C B Machado, M A Del Lama","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf006","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf006","url":null,"abstract":"The stingless bees of the genus Partamona comprise 32 recognized species, all endemic to the Neotropical region, ranging from Mexico to southern Brazil. This study is the first to examine species delimitation, phylogenetic relationships, and divergence-time estimates within the Partamona Eastern group. Of the 21 species in this group, 19 were included in our analysis. Utilizing both mitochondrial and nuclear markers, a multispecies coalescence model identified 19 molecular operational taxonomic units, 13 of which correspond perfectly to the nominal species as initially defined. We find that the Partamona Eastern group is monophyletic and consists of three distinct clades, with relationships among species differing significantly from previous classifications. Divergence-time estimates suggest that the Eastern group originated in the Pliocene, with substantial diversification occurring during the Pleistocene, potentially influenced by shifts in rainforest and dry forest distributions and riverine barriers in the Amazon region. We propose three major dispersal events across biomes. Given these findings, a comprehensive review of the genus, particularly the Eastern clade, is necessary to reassess the current classification using an integrative approach.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"222 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143736830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Mediterranean conquerors: neotypification and phylogeography of the widely distributed earthworms Aporrectodea trapezoides and Octodrilus complanatus (Lumbricidae: Crassiclitellata)

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-05 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf002

Daniel F Marchán, Alberto Piris, Natasha Tilikj, Alejandro Martínez Navarro, Ambre Mautuit, Davorka Hackenberger Kutuzovic, Thibaud Decaëns, Marta Novo, Csaba Csuzdi

{"title":"Mediterranean conquerors: neotypification and phylogeography of the widely distributed earthworms Aporrectodea trapezoides and Octodrilus complanatus (Lumbricidae: Crassiclitellata)","authors":"Daniel F Marchán, Alberto Piris, Natasha Tilikj, Alejandro Martínez Navarro, Ambre Mautuit, Davorka Hackenberger Kutuzovic, Thibaud Decaëns, Marta Novo, Csaba Csuzdi","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf002","url":null,"abstract":"Cryptic lineages require identification and delimitation to guide their conservation and management. In the absence of type material that can be genotyped, designating a neotype becomes necessary: such is the case for Aporrectodea trapezoides and Octodrilus complanatus. These widely distributed earthworms are very common in Mediterranean habitats and harbour cryptic lineages. Specimens from the type locality (Jardin des Plantes, Montpellier) were genotyped to be included in species delimitation, phylogeographical, and phylogenetic analyses together with additional sequences from Mediterranean populations and close relatives. The Octodrilus complanatus neotype belonged to a clade inhabiting Spain, France, and Italy, with a putative origin in central Italy; two other species-level clades were restricted to northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. The Aporrectodea trapezoides neotype clustered with a peregrine, Iberian, and Maghrebian specimens, together forming Aporrectodea trapezoides s.s. More restricted and accurate descriptions based on the neotypes and closely related specimens pointed out to the Eurosiberian lineage of Aporrectodea trapezoides s.l. corresponding to Aporrectodea borelii and provided a basis for the potential description of Octodrilus complanatus s.l. lineages. On top of the taxonomic advances, this work detected differences in their phylogeographical patterns (potentially connected to historical human dispersal) and provided an opportunity for more accurate ecological niche modelling.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"67 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143546454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Exploring the palaeoneurology of the extinct spiny rat Eumysops chapalmalensis (Hystricognathi: Echimyidae): a comparative phylogenetic analysis of brain size and shape

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-05 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf005

J Ariel Fernández Villoldo, Diego H Verzi, A Itatí Olivares, Sergio F Dos Reis, Ricardo T Lopes, S Ivan Perez

{"title":"Exploring the palaeoneurology of the extinct spiny rat Eumysops chapalmalensis (Hystricognathi: Echimyidae): a comparative phylogenetic analysis of brain size and shape","authors":"J Ariel Fernández Villoldo, Diego H Verzi, A Itatí Olivares, Sergio F Dos Reis, Ricardo T Lopes, S Ivan Perez","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf005","url":null,"abstract":"This study examines the brain morphology of Pliocene specimens of the South American Echimyidae rodent Eumysops chapalmalensis through virtual endocasts and comparisons with extant members of the family. Shape variation is analysed through geometric morphometrics, and the relative sizes of the brain and its components are estimated using phylogenetic regression models. The influence of phylogeny and ecological variables on the brain variation is analysed through phylogenetic comparative analyses. Results indicate that Eumysops chapalmalensis exhibits low encephalization and a high spatial packing of its brain, suggesting the independence of these two measures of relative brain size. Brain shape of Eumysops chapalmalensis departs from the extant species in morphospaces evidencing a distinctive morphology characterized by a strong flexion, posterolateral expansion of the neocortex, and large petrosal lobules. The low phylogenetic signal observed in the brain shape of echimyids, coupled with the significant influence of ecological factors, suggests that adaptive pressures probably played a more influential role in shaping the distinctive brain morphology of Eumysops chapalmalensis. This unique morphology may be associated with the occupation of a niche not explored by extant echimyids—that of a species with high body mass, terrestrial to fossorial habits, and agile movements in open environments.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"88 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143546573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

New information on the anatomically derived millerettid Milleretta rubidgei from the latest Permian based on µCT data

IF 2.8 2区生物学

Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society Pub Date : 2025-03-04 DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf004

Xavier A Jenkins, Roger B J Benson, Maya Elliott, Gabriel Jeppson, Kathleen Dollman, Vincent Fernandez, Claire Browning, David P Ford, Jonah Choiniere, Brandon R Peecook

{"title":"New information on the anatomically derived millerettid Milleretta rubidgei from the latest Permian based on µCT data","authors":"Xavier A Jenkins, Roger B J Benson, Maya Elliott, Gabriel Jeppson, Kathleen Dollman, Vincent Fernandez, Claire Browning, David P Ford, Jonah Choiniere, Brandon R Peecook","doi":"10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf004","url":null,"abstract":"The fossil reptile Milleretta holds a prominent role in phylogenetic analyses of early reptile relationships. It has often been used as the sole marker for the anatomically diverse middle to late Permian Millerettidae, a clade that has been hypothesized as the earliest diverging parareptiles and therefore only distantly related to the reptile crown group. However, the anatomy of Milleretta remains incompletely documented, presenting an obstacle to phylogenetic studies of early reptile evolution. We re-examine the cranial anatomy of Milleretta rubidgei using synchrotron micro-computed tomography of two specimens, representing a juvenile and a subadult. These immature individuals have clearly visible sutures, differing from osteologically mature individuals, in which cranial osteoderms obscure the cranial anatomy, particularly in the antorbital region. We demonstrate that Milleretta and other millerettids share many derived similarities with Neodiapsida (a derived clade that includes the reptile crown group), particularly of the neurocranium and palatoquadrate. Comparison with other millerettids reveals that some features seen in adult specimens of Milleretta are, in fact, derived features, resulting from secondary modification in osteologically mature individuals. These observations suggest that Milleretta is an anatomically derived millerettid and urge caution in using this taxon as the semaphorant of this disparate group of stem reptiles.","PeriodicalId":49333,"journal":{"name":"Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society","volume":"35 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143546575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0