Distribution and morphology of lateral line canals in rays and its systematic relevance (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii: Batoidea)

• Grant number: 11/04647-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Rodrigues de Carvalho
• Grantee: Maíra Portella Ragno
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 12/19280-0 - Distribution and morphology of lateral line canals in rays and its systematic relevance (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii: Batoidea), BE.EP.MS

Abstract

Batoidea includes all the rays and its monophyly is well-corroborated. However, the phylogenetic interrelationships within the group are still debatable. Some phylogenies consider Pristiformes as the basal group of Batoidea while others considered Torpediniformes the most basal group. Rhinobatiformes are seen as a monophyletic group by some authors and as paraphyletic by others. Myliobatiformes also presents problems in its interrelationships: some authors consider Hexatrygon as the most basal group while others consider Urotrygon. The distribution of the canals of the lateral line sensory system presents wide variation between batoid groups, and although this system is not well studied in elasmobranchs, it constitutes an important source of phylogenetic characters. Thus, this project aims to describe the distribution and morphology of the canals of the lateral line sensory system in Batoidea, gathering possible characters with phylogenetic relevance which may help elucidate the phylogenetic problems in this group. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

RAGNO, Maíra Portella. Distribution and morphology of lateral line canals in rays and its systematic relevance (Chondrichthyes: Elasmobranchii: Batoidea). 2013. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB) São Paulo.