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Heterochrony of cranial features associated with wide jaw gapes in common marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus )
Author(s) -
Mork Amy Lovejoy,
Vinyard Christopher J
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.449.4
Subject(s) - heterochrony , callithrix , callitrichidae , biology , ontogeny , neoteny , postcrania , primate , anatomy , zoology , ecology , genetics , taxon
Marmosets are unique among platyrrhines for habitually gouging trees with their anterior teeth to stimulate exudate flow. We previously demonstrated that marmosets exhibit cranial features that facilitate biting at wide jaw gapes during gouging, as compared to skulls of non‐gouging tamarins. Here we examine the role of heterochronic shifts during the ontogeny of cranial features facilitating wide gapes. Three cranial dimensions associated with wide gapes were measured, as well as three dimensions related to load resistance in ontogenetic series from neonates to adults of marmosets ( Callithrix jacchus , N=129) and tamarins ( Saguinus fuscicollis , N=135). All specimens were captive individuals housed at Oak Ridge Associated Universities' Colony with known ages at death. Marmosets exhibit a complex pattern of heterochronic shifts in cranial features linked to wide gape throughout ontogeny relative to tamarins. The relatively elongated anteroposterior glenoid, condyle and mandible of marmosets consistently appear peramorphic during ontogeny. Corporal and symphyseal dimensions associated with load resistance consistently appear paedomorphic in marmosets. Results support a hypothesis that the shape differences facilitating wide jaw gapes are the result of multiple heterochronic shifts in ontogenetic trajectories between gouging marmosets and non‐gouging tamarins. Supported by NSF (BCS‐0412153, BCS‐0094666). Grant Funding Source : Supported by NSF (BCS‐0412153, BCS‐0094666)