Vertebral microanatomy in squamates: structure, growth and ecological correlates

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2010.01307.x
• Publication Date: 2010-10-12T08:16:32Z
• Authors: Alexandra Houssaye; Arnaud Mazurier; Anthony Herrel; Virginie Volpato; Paul Tafforeau; Renaud Boistel; Vivian De Buffrénil
• Keywords: Fossorial; Endochondral ossification; Vertebra

Abstract The histological study of vertebrae in extant squamates shows that the internal vertebral structure this group differs from other tetrapods. Squamate are lightly built and basically composed two roughly concentric osseous tubes – one surrounding neural canal constituting peripheral cortex vertebra connected by few thin trabeculae. This structure, which characteristically evokes a tubular bone, results peculiar remodelling process characterised an imbalance between local bone resorption redeposition; both periosteal endosteo‐endochondral territories, is extensively resorbed but not reconstructed same proportion secondary deposits. particularly intense deep region centrum, where originally compact cortices made cancellous, endochondral spongiosa very loose. starts at early stage development remains active throughout subsequent growth. growth squamate centra also strongly asymmetrical, with posterior (condylar) part growing much faster than anterior (cotylar) part. Preliminary analyses testing for associations habitat use suggest fossorial taxa denser those terrestrial taxa, aquatic being intermediate density. However, phylogenetically informed do corroborate these findings, thus suggesting strong phylogenetic signal data. As our demonstrate snakes generally lizards sensu stricto , may drive presence More comprehensive sampling clearly needed to more rigorously evaluate patterns.