Functional and morphological divergence in the forelimb musculoskeletal system of scratch-digging subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F60076658%3A12310%2F24%3A43908443" target="_blank" >RIV/60076658:12310/24:43908443 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joa.14058" target="_blank" >https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joa.14058</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/joa.14058" target="_blank" >10.1111/joa.14058</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Functional and morphological divergence in the forelimb musculoskeletal system of scratch-digging subterranean mammals (Rodentia: Bathyergidae)

Original language description

Whether the forelimb-digging apparatus of tooth-digging subterranean mammals has similar levels of specialization as compared to scratch-diggers is still unknown. We assessed the scapular morphology and forelimb musculature of all four solitary African mole rats (Bathyergidae): two scratch-diggers, Bathyergus suillus and Bathyergus janetta, and two chisel-tooth diggers, Heliophobius argenteocinereus and Georychus capensis. Remarkable differences were detected: Bathyergus have more robust neck, shoulder, and forearm muscles as compared to the other genera. Some muscles in Bathyergus were also fused and often showing wider attachment areas to bones, which correlate well with its more robust and larger scapula, and its wider and medially oriented olecranon. This suggests that shoulder, elbow, and wrist work in synergy in Bathyergus for generating greater out-forces and that the scapula and proximal ulna play fundamental roles as pivots to maximize and accommodate specialized muscles for better (i) glenohumeral and scapular stabilization, (ii) powerful shoulder flexion, (iii) extension of the elbow and (iv) flexion of the manus and digits. Moreover, although all bathyergids showed a similar set of muscles, Heliophobius lacked the m. tensor fasciae antebrachii (aiding with elbow extension and humeral retraction), and Heliophobius and Georychus lacked the m. articularis humeri (aiding with humeral adduction), indicating deeper morphogenetic differences among digging groups and suggesting a relatively less specialized scratch-digging ability. Nevertheless, Heliophobius and Bathyergus shared some similar adaptations allowing scratch-digging. Our results provide new information about the morphological divergence within this family associated with the specialization to distinct functions and digging behaviors, thus contributing to understand the mosaic of adaptations emerging in phylogenetically and ecologically closer subterranean taxa. This and previous anatomical studies on the Bathyergidae will provide researchers with a substantial basis on the form and function of the musculoskeletal system for future kinematic investigations of digging behavior, as well as to define potential indicators of scratch-digging ability. The muscles of scratch-diggers (Bathyergus spp.) show a higher mechanical advantage for forelimb flexion and shoulder stabilization than tooth-diggers. The glenohumeral and olecranon joints play fundamental roles as robust pivots to resist the action of larger muscles. Tooth-diggers lacked some muscles aiding with elbow extension and humeral retraction, suggesting deeper morphogenetic differences and comparatively diminished scratch-digging abilities.image

Czech name

—

Czech description

—

Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

10613 - Zoology

Project

<a href="/en/project/GA20-10222S" target="_blank" >GA20-10222S: Phylogeny, adaptation and evolution of sociality in African mole-rats, a model group in evolutionary and biomedical research</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)

Publication year

2024

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

Journal of Anatomy

ISSN

0021-8782

e-ISSN

1469-7580

Volume of the periodical

245

Issue of the periodical within the volume

3

Country of publishing house

GB - UNITED KINGDOM

Number of pages

31

Pages from-to

420-450

UT code for WoS article

001225160600001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-85193622574