Variation in the cranial osteology of the amphisbaenian genus Zygaspis based on high-resolution x-ray computed tomography

In this study, we used high-resolution x-ray computed tomography to compare the skulls of 15 specimens from seven of the eight species in the amphisbaenian genus Zygaspis (Zygaspis dolichomenta, Zygaspis ferox, Zygaspis quadrifrons, Zygaspis kafuensis, Zygaspis nigra, Zygaspis vandami, and Zygaspis violacea). Both interspecific and intraspecific variation, including asymmetry, is observed among the cranial bones of the specimens. There are unique morphological features on some cranial bones, including the premaxilla and ectopterygoid of Z. quadrifrons, the pterygoid and vomer of Z. kafuensis, and the extracolumella of Z. nigra. Sexual dimorphism has been previously reported for the species Z. quadrifrons and is observed here as well.PMID:37849441 | DOI:10.1002/ar.25321

Source: Anatomical Record - October 18, 2023 Category: Anatomy Authors: Antonio Meza Christopher J Bell Juan D Daza Monte L Thies Patrick J Lewis Source Type: research