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Studies on skeleton formation in reptiles. I. The postembryonic development of the skeleton in Cyrtodactylus pubisulcus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae)
Author(s) -
Rieppel Olivier
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1992.tb04346.x
Subject(s) - biology , ossification , anatomy , gekkonidae , skeleton (computer programming) , vertebral column , axial skeleton , ossification center , rib cage , squamata , zoology
The study of ossification during postembryonic development of the lizard Cyrtodactylus pubisulcus reveals consistent patterns in the skeleton of the body axis and of the limbs. The vertebral column shows a distinct antero‐posterior gradient in ossification; the serial homology of sacral ribs and caudal transverse processes with dorsal ribs requires further scrutiny. The sequence of ossification of carpal and tarsal elements is constant, yet different from the pattern of chondrification as described in the literature. The homology of a separate ‘intermedium’ in the ossified lizard carpus requires further discussion. The development of the lizard astragalus is discussed in detail, as is the ossification of epiphyses in the limbs.