Ecomorphological inferences in early vertebrates: reconstructing Dunkleosteus terrelli (Arthrodira, Placodermi) caudal fin from palaeoecological data [PDF]
PeerJ, 2017 Our knowledge about the body morphology of many extinct early vertebrates is very limited, especially in regard to their post-thoracic region. The prompt disarticulation of the dermo-skeletal elements due to taphonomic processes and the lack of a well ...
Humberto G. Ferrón +2 more
doaj +9 more sources
Development of the Synarcual in the Elephant Sharks (Holocephali; Chondrichthyes): Implications for Vertebral Formation and Fusion. [PDF]
PLoS ONE, 2015 The synarcual is a structure incorporating multiple elements of two or more anterior vertebrae of the axial skeleton, forming immediately posterior to the cranium.
Zerina Johanson +4 more
doaj +6 more sources
The early diversification of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii): hypotheses, challenges and future prospects. [PDF]
Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc, 2023 ABSTRACT Actinopterygii makes up half of living vertebrate diversity, and study of fossil members during their Palaeozoic rise to dominance has a long history of descriptive work. Although research interest into Palaeozoic actinopterygians has increased in recent years, broader patterns of diversity and diversity dynamics remain critically understudied.
Henderson S +3 more
europepmc +2 more sources
The Bothriolepis (Placodermi, Antiarcha) material from the Valentia Slate Formation of the Iveragh Peninsula (middle Givetian, Ireland): Morphology, evolutionary and systematic considerations, phylogenetic and palaeogeographic implications. [PDF]
PLoS ONE, 2023 Material of the antiarch placoderm Bothriolepis from the middle Givetian of the Valentia Slate Formation in Iveragh Peninsula, Ireland, is described and attributed to a new species, B. dairbhrensis sp. nov.
Vincent Dupret +9 more
doaj +4 more sources
Giant, swimming mouths: oral dimensions of extant sharks do not accurately predict body size in Dunkleosteus terrelli (Placodermi: Arthrodira) [PDF]
PeerJ, 2023 Background The size of Dunkleosteus and other late Devonian arthrodire placoderms has been a persistent problem in paleontology. The bony head and thoracic armor of these animals are typically the only elements preserved in the fossil record, with the ...
Russell Engelman
doaj +3 more sources
Functional groups in piscivorous fishes. [PDF]
Ecol Evol, 2021 We identify functional groups of piscivorous fishes based on their ability to strike at, capture, and process prey. Also, we show that these groups reflect resource partitioning in aquatic habitats. Abstract Piscivory is a key ecological function in aquatic ecosystems, mediating energy flow within trophic networks.
Mihalitsis M, Bellwood DR.
europepmc +2 more sources
Developmental constraints on fin diversity. [PDF]
Dev Growth Differ, 2020 The fish fin is a breathtaking repository full of evolutionary diversity, novelty, and convergence. However, the genetic underpinnings of their diversity and convergent evolution largely remain elusive. We summarized recent discoveries of evolutionary and developmental mechanisms of fins, shedding light on developmental constraints for fin diversity ...
Enny A +4 more
europepmc +2 more sources
Increasing morphological disparity and decreasing optimality for jaw speed and strength during the radiation of jawed vertebrates. [PDF]
Sci Adv, 2022 The Siluro-Devonian adaptive radiation of jawed vertebrates, which underpins almost all living vertebrate biodiversity, is characterized by the evolutionary innovation of the lower jaw.
Deakin WJ +8 more
europepmc +6 more sources
Cautionary tales on the use of proxies to estimate body size and form of extinct animals. [PDF]
Ecol EvolReconstructing the body size and form of extinct animals is of vital importance to our understanding of macroevolution and palaeontology. This is often done using anatomical proxies where extinct species are known only from fragmentary remains. However, there are many limitations influencing the selection of proxy taxa that are frequently overlooked ...
Gayford JH +7 more
europepmc +2 more sources
Correction: The Bothriolepis (Placodermi, Antiarcha) material from the Valentia Slate Formation of the Iveragh Peninsula (middle Givetian, Ireland): Morphology, evolutionary and systematic considerations, phylogenetic and palaeogeographic implications [PDF]
PLoS ONE[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280208.].
Vincent Dupret +9 more
doaj +3 more sources