Characters discriminating two seed husking mechanisms in finches (Fringillidae: Carduelinae) and estrildids (Passeridae: Estrildinae)

Journal of Morphology
Frank W Nuijens, G A Zweers

Abstract

Finches have two major types of seed husking, each with two phases: crushing and seed husk disposal. Recent observations show that both Spice Finches and Greenfinches husk seeds by a crushing mechanism, but the Greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, applies mediolateral movements of the lower mandible, especially during seek husk disposal, while such movements are not-found in the Spice Finch, Lonchura punctulata. A detailed comparison of the anatomies of their jaw apparatuses elucidates that numerous discriminating characters form an integrated complex that parallels the difference in seed husking. These focus on 1) a more flattened shape of the articular facets in the quadratomandibular articulation and a lack of the postorbital ligament, resulting in decoupling of the quadratomandibular joint facets, and release of the pseudotemporal muscle from jaw elevation only and 2) adductor mandibulae and pterygoid muscles with an increased medial component in the Greenfinch. Muscles built heavier in the Greenfinch than the Spice Finch, especially mediolaterally oriented muscles, are in concurrence with muscle asymmetries found in crossbills (Loxia sp.), a finch-species employing unilateral mandibular rotation. These two groups of differences ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 15, 2002·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Irby J LovetteRobert E Ricklefs
Jun 13, 2015·PloS One·Joris SoonsAnthony Herrel
Feb 18, 2012·Journal of the Royal Society, Interface·Joris SoonsJoris Dirckx
Nov 3, 2009·Evolution & Development·Celine ClabautArhat Abzhanov
Mar 3, 2010·Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences·Joris SoonsJoris Dirckx
Aug 19, 2006·The Journal of Experimental Biology·M A A van der Meij, R G Bout
Jul 6, 2004·The Journal of Experimental Biology·M A A van der Meij, R G Bout
May 6, 2008·The Journal of Experimental Biology·Maria A A van der Meij, Ron G Bout
Dec 6, 2001·Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology. Part A, Molecular & Integrative Physiology·R G Bout, G A Zweers
Oct 23, 1997·Journal of Neuroscience Methods·F W NuijensR G Bout

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