Premium
Paedogenesis in European newts ( Triturus : Salamandridae): Cranial morphology during ontogeny
Author(s) -
Djorović Ana,
Kalezić Miloš L.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4687(200002)243:2<127::aid-jmor2>3.0.co;2-0
Subject(s) - biology , metamorphosis , triturus , salamandridae , ontogeny , skull , neoteny , caudata , larva , anatomy , zoology , sexual dimorphism , ecology , genetics
ABSTRACT A cross‐sectional analysis using different ontogenetic stages (larvae, juveniles, paedotypic, and metamorphic adults) of the smooth newt, Triturus vulgaris , and the alpine newt, T . alpestris , revealed a broad spectrum of perennibranchiation influences on cranial ontogeny in European newts, more pronounced than previously thought. These influences included marked variation in ossification levels, pronounced morphometric variability of many cranial elements, and considerable skull shape changes in the transition from larvae to the adult stage. In comparison with metamorphosed individuals, paedotypic newts had a higher level of variability in both individual cranial traits and cranial shape changes. Sexual size difference of the skull traits was mostly negligible, especially in comparison to the influence of paedogenesis. The main changes in cranial shape of the European newts occurred during metamorphosis. Cranial morphological organization in the majority of examined paedotypes corresponds to cranial organization at late larval stages prior to metamorphosis or at the onset of metamorphosis. J. Morphol. 243:127–139, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.