Cranial morphology in Mollisquama sp. (Squaliformes; Dalatiidae) and patterns of cranial evolution in dalatiid sharks

Journal of Anatomy
John S S DentonGavin J P Naylor

Abstract

Dalatiid sharks are members of a family of predominantly small, midwater meso- and bathypelagic chondrichthyans. The family is notable for both its number of monotypic genera and high morphological disparity. Three of the seven dalatiid genera are known only from holotype specimens (Mollisquama parini) or from only a handful of specimens (Euprotomicroides zantedeschia, Heteroscymnoides marleyi), with the only detailed anatomical work consistent across all taxa being studies of dentition. Here, we present detailed anatomical description of the second-ever specimen of Mollisquama (Mollisquama sp.) covering chondrocranial, jaw, dental, and muscular anatomy, derived from a phase-contrast synchrotron microtomographic scan. Mollisquama sp. is unique among dalatiids in possessing a deep carinal process, extending ventrally from the bar between the subethmoid region and basal angle in squaloid sharks, containing a large fenestra infiltrated by the suborbitalis muscle. Mollisquama sp. also exhibits additional possibly diagnostic features, including a planar configuration of the labial cartilages and the absence of labial folds; a pad-like orbital process on the palatoquadrate; and the origination of the suborbitalis muscle solely on the...Continue Reading

References

Jul 15, 2003·Systematic Biology·Robert W ScotlandJonathan R Bennett
May 29, 2004·The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology·Yoko MakinoTetsuji Miyazaki
Aug 15, 2014·Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology·Takahito HayashiMamoru Ogata
Aug 19, 2015·BMC Evolutionary Biology·Nicolas StraubeGavin J P Naylor

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