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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.)

The role of ontogeny on character polarization in early dinosaurs: a new specimen from the Late Triassic of southern Brazil and its implications

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Author(s):
Mueller, Rodrigo Temp [1] ; Langer, Max Cardoso [2] ; Pacheco, Cristian Pereira [1] ; Dias-da-Silva, Sergio [3]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Santa Maria, Programa Posgrad Biodiversidade Anim, Santa Maria, RS - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Paleontol Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Santa Maria, Ctr Apolo Pesquisa Paleontol Quarta Colonia, Santa Maria, RS - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: HISTORICAL BIOLOGY; v. 31, n. 6, p. 794-805, JUL 3 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Only recently, new ontogenetic series of early dinosaurs and related groups have been described. Here, we present an isolated immature dinosauriform femur from the Late Triassic of southern Brazil and investigate its influence on character polarization. Because the specimen shares a number of synapomorphies with Pampadromaeus barberenai, herein we postulate that it corresponds to a juvenile individual of that taxon. Accordingly, we investigate the morphological variation between juvenile and mature individuals of P. barberenai. Scoring these character states into a published phylogenetic data-set of Dinosauromorpha reveals that morphological variation is higher than that observed among closely-related taxa. Ontogenetic variation thus exerts influence on character polarization. In addition, modification of the scores affected by ontogeny produces different topologies, as noted by the reduction in both the number of most parsimonious trees and number of steps, and increased inclusivity of some clades and reduction of polytomies as well. Our study, together with other recent contributions, sheds light on the morphologic pathways seen during dinosauromorph ontogenetic development, which is crucial to more reliably assess phylogenetic reconstructions and macroevolutionary patterns of this widespread and successful group. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/03825-3 - The origin and rise of dinosaurs in Gondwana (late Triassic - early Jurassic)
Grantee:Max Cardoso Langer
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants