Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Lambertz, M., Böhme, W., & Perry, S. F. (2009). The anatomy of the respiratory system in platysternon megacephalum gray, 1831 (testudines: cryptodira) and related species, and its phylogenetic implicationsstar, open. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, (article in press, corrected proof).
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (28 Feb 2010 12:07:25 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Lambertz2009a View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Morphologie = morphology, Platysternidae, Platysternon, Platysternon megacephalum, Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises Creators: Böhme, Lambertz, Perry Collection: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology |
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| Abstract |
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We discuss the morphology of the respiratory system regarding the phylogenetic relation among selected Testudines (Tetrapoda: Amniota). Lung structure and the associated coelomic organization are compared in Platysternon megacephalum and in representatives of the most-likely closely related taxa Chelydridae and Testudinoidea (Emydidae + Testudinidae). P. megacephalum shows horizontal intrapulmonary septation in the medial chambers, dividing them into dorsal and ventral lobes. This structure is found only in Platysternon and in the Emydidae, and is interpreted as a possible synapomorphy for these two taxa. In addition to further suggested synapomorphies for Platysternon and the Testudinoidea, we found – in contrast to previous reports – a small post-pulmonary septum (PPS) and incomplete coelomic compartmentalization in the Chelydridae. Thus, all major taxa of Testudines possess a PPS. Since this structure is also present in mammals, archosaurs and some lepidosaurs, the plesiomorphy of a coelomic compartmentalization by the PPS in amniotes in general should be considered. These preliminary results indicate that further comparative study of the respiratory apparatus might help resolve the phylogenetic relationships among the Testudines, as well as to shed light on its evolution among the Amniota.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |