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Ontogeny of cranial ossification in the eastern newt, Notophthalmus viridescens (Caudata: Salamandridae), and its relationship to metamorphosis and neoteny
Author(s) -
Reilly Stephen M.
Publication year - 1986
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/jmor.1051880306
Subject(s) - neoteny , salamandridae , biology , caudata , metamorphosis , ontogeny , notophthalmus viridescens , heterochrony , salamander , skull , zoology , larva , anatomy , ecology , regeneration (biology) , genetics , microbiology and biotechnology
The ontogenetic sequence of cranial osteogenesis through adulthood is described in samples of newts from completely metamorphosing and partially neotenic populations. Cranial ossification proceeds in the same sequence in both samples. Seven stages of cranial development are described on the basis of conspicuous events that occur during ontogeny. These include four larval stages, metamorphs, efts, and adults. Neotenic adults have skulls that are metamorphosed completely and indistinguishable from the skulls of non‐neotenic adults. Neoteny in these newts does not involve the skull and is limited to the postmetamorphic retention of some gill structures and, thus, is termed “limited neoteny.” The evolution of limited neoteny in newts as a correlated response to the inhibition of land‐drive behavior is discussed.