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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Angular cartilage structure and variation in Neotropical freshwater stingrays (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae), with comments on their function and evolution

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Author(s):
Fontenelle, Joao Pedro [1, 2] ; Loboda, Thiago S. [3] ; Kolmann, Matthew [4] ; De Carvalho, Marcelo R. [3]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Toronto Scarborough, Dept Biol Sci, 1265 Mil Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4 - Canada
[2] Univ Toronto Scarborough, Dept Phys & Environm Sci, 1265 Mil Trail, Toronto, ON M1C 1A4 - Canada
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biociencias, Dept Zool, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[4] Univ Washington, Friday Harbor Labs, 620 Univ Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY; v. 183, n. 1, p. 121-142, MAY 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

The various configurations of the jaws, anterior branchial arches and neurocranium provide some of the fundamental synapomorphies, distinguishing the major lineages of sharks, rays and ratfishes. For the Neotropical freshwater stingrays (family Potamotrygonidae), putatively unique skeletal elements, the angular cartilages, are intermediate between the hyomandibula and the lower jaw. These skeletal elements have been proposed as a synapomorphy for the potamotrygonids, but confidence in this character has been limited by poor sampling and taxonomic uncertainty, particularly regarding their ontogeny and homology. The morphology of the angular cartilages across the family is described, and the nomenclature of these structures is standardized. In addition, developmental and functional hypotheses for the origins of the angular cartilages are proposed. These cartilages, formed within the hyomandibular-Meckelian ligament, are suggested to be fibrocartilaginous in origin and aid in jaw kinesis. The angular cartilages are corroborated as a synapomorphy for Potamotrygonidae, although there is great variation within the family and similar structures have arisen independently in other extinct and extant batoid lineages. In potamotrygonines, the angular cartilages appear to have been lost in piscivorous Heliotrygon and Paratrygon, while additional angular cartilages were gained, typically one at a time, in some lineages of Potamotrygon. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/19479-1 - Taxonomic review of the species complex Potamotrygon scobina Garman, 1913 (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae): implications on the biogeography of the family Potamotrygonidae and the South American Continent
Grantee:João Pedro Fontenelle de Araújo Freire da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
FAPESP's process: 11/03952-7 - Morphology and systematics of Potamotrygon scobina Garman, 1913 (Chondrichthyes: Myliobatiformes: Potamotrygonidae): a species complex?
Grantee:João Pedro Fontenelle de Araújo Freire da Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master