Ontogeny of the Paraphalanges and Derived Phalanges of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

Authors

Aaron H. Griffing, Marquette UniversityFollow
Tony Gamble, Marquette UniversityFollow
Aaron M. Bauer, Villanova University
Anthony P. Russell, University of Calgary

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2022

Publisher

Wiley

Source Publication

Journal of Anatomy

Source ISSN

0021-8782

Original Item ID

10.1111/joa.13735

Abstract

Gekkotan lizards of the genus Hemidactylus exhibit derived digital morphologies. These include heavily reduced antepenultimate phalanges of digits III and IV of the manus and digits III–V of the pes, as well as enigmatic cartilaginous structures called paraphalanges. Despite this well-known morphological derivation, no studies have investigated the development of these structures. We aimed to determine if heterochrony underlies the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus. Furthermore, we aimed to determine if convergently evolved paraphalanges exhibit similar or divergent developmental patterns. Herein we describe embryonic skeletal development in the hands and feet of four gekkonid species, exhibiting a range of digital morphologies. We determined that the derived antepenultimate phalanges of Hemidactylus are the products of paedomorphosis. Furthermore, we found divergent developmental patterns between convergently evolved paraphalanges.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of Anatomy, Vol. 241, No. 4 (October 2022): 1039-1053. DOI. © Wiley. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Griffing, Aaron H.; Gamble, Tony; Bauer, Aaron M.; and Russell, Anthony P., "Ontogeny of the Paraphalanges and Derived Phalanges of Hemidactylus turcicus (Squamata: Gekkonidae)" (2022). Biological Sciences Faculty Research and Publications. 922.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/bio_fac/922