Hindlimb bone maturation during postnatal life in the Greater Rhea (Rhea americana, Aves, Palaeognathae): Implications for palaeobiological and zooarchaeological interpretations

• DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12367
• Publication Date: 2018-06-04T03:05:13Z
• Authors: Mariana B. J. Pic...; Claudio Gustavo B...
• Keywords: Epiphysis; Australopithecus

Abstract The objective of this study was to the morphological pattern bone maturation hindlimb bones Rhea americana and find out how it can affect morphology after a taphonomic process. Juvenile specimens ( n = 10) ranging from one month old eight months were studied. For comparison, adults juveniles museum 4 6, respectively) In fresh bones, ossification centres identified in proximal distal epiphyses tibiotarsi epiphysis tarsometatarsi, whereas region femora tarsometatarsi showed abundance cartilage. development extension different. epiphysis, centre presented less with respect epiphysis. dry tibiotarsi, absent well preserved. Both juvenile unfused metatarsals bulkier wider aspect than adult ones. noticeable excavation between condyles, absence femora, possessed different traits immaturity, which differentially preserved during