Bone surface texture as an ontogenetic indicator in long bones of the Canada goose Branta canadensis (Anseriformes: Anatidae)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2006
Authors:Bianucci, G, Landini, W, Tumarkin-Deratzian, AR, Vann, DR, Dodson, P
Journal:Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society
Volume:148
Pagination:103-131
Date Published:2006
ISBN Number:1096-3642
Keywords:CETACEA, Orcinus orca, Physeter catodon
Abstract:

Zygophyseter varolai, a new genus and species of Physeteroidea (Cetacea, Odontoceti), is based on an almost complete skeleton from the Late Miocene (Tortonian) in southern Italy. The extreme elongation of the zygomatic process of the squamosal and the circular supracranial basin (probably for housing the spermaceti organ) delimited by a peculiar anterior projection of the supraorbital process of the right maxilla are the most distinctive features of this bizarre sperm whale. Large body size, large teeth present in both lower and upper jaw, and anteroposteriorly elongated temporal fossa and zygomatic process of the squamosal indicate that this cetacean (for which we suggest the English common name killer sperm whale) was an active predator adapted to feeding on large prey, similarly to the extant killer whale (Orcinus orca). A phylogenetic analysis reveals that Zygophyseter belongs to a Middle–Late Miocene clade of basal physeteroids, together with Naganocetus (new genus for the type of ‘Scaldicetus’shigensis). Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis shows evidence of a wide physeteroid radiation during the Miocene and that the extant Physeter and Kogia belong to two distinct families that form a clade representing the crown-group Physeteroidea. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 148, 103–131.Growth series of femora, tibiotarsi, and humeri of the Canada goose Branta canadensis were examined to evaluate whether bone surface textures are reliable indicators of relative age and skeletal maturity in this taxon. The relationship between surface texture and skeletal maturity was analysed by comparing element texture types with both size-based and size-independent maturity estimates. A subsample of hindlimb elements was thin sectioned to observe histological structures underlying various surface textures. Three relative age classes of elements are identifiable based on surface texture. Juvenile and subadult bone textures have fibrous and/or porous areas on the bone shaft and are distinguished by the presence (in juveniles) or absence (in subadults) of coarse longitudinal striations in proximal and/or distal regions. Adult bone texture lacks surface porosity. Immature textures are caused by channels in fibrolamellar bone intersecting the bone surface; the presence or absence of striations is determined by channel orientation. Mature textures may be underlain by fibrolamellar bone with little to no surface exposure of channels, or by lamellar bone deposited after rapid growth ceases. The utility of the textural ageing method appears intimately related to the uninterrupted determinate growth regime of Branta. This suggests that bone surface textures may prove useful as skeletal maturity indicators in both modern and fossil taxa with similar growth regimes, but may not necessarily be reliable for taxa with interrupted and/or indeterminate growth. © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 148, 133–168.

URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.2006.00232.x
Taxonomic name: 
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