Comparative musculoskeletal anatomy of chameleon limbs, with implications for the evolution of arboreal locomotion in lizards and for teratology

Journal of Morphology
Julia L MolnarRui Diogo

Abstract

Chameleon species have recently been adopted as models for evo-devo and macroevolutionary processes. However, most anatomical and developmental studies of chameleons focus on the skeleton, and information about their soft tissues is scarce. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description based on contrast enhanced micro-CT scans and dissections of the adult phenotype of all the forelimb and hindlimb muscles of the Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and compare these muscles with those of other chameleons and lizards. We found the appendicular muscle anatomy of chameleons to be surprisingly conservative considering the remarkable structural and functional modifications of the limb skeleton, particularly the distal limb regions. For instance, the zygodactyl autopodia of chameleons are unique among tetrapods, and the carpals and tarsals are highly modified in shape and number. However, most of the muscles usually present in the manus and pes of other lizards are present in the same configuration in chameleons. The most obvious muscular features related to the peculiar opposable autopodia of chameleons are: (1) presence of broad, V-shaped plantar and palmar aponeuroses, and absence of intermetacarpales and intermetatars...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 31, 2019·Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society·Virginia AbdalaMaría L Ponssa
Aug 18, 2021·Proceedings. Biological Sciences·Alexa N WimberlyMichael C Granatosky
Dec 21, 2021·Developmental Dynamics : an Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists·Raul E DiazJulia L Molnar

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