geometric morphometrics
- Masticatory system integration in a commensal canid: interrelationships between bones, muscles and bite force in the red fox
Summary: Strong interrelationships between the components of the masticatory system in red foxes suggest that it is strongly integrated, but not more so than for dogs. Yet, the components of the masticatory system are less variable in foxes than in dogs.
- Fine sand particles enable antlions to build pitfall traps with advanced three-dimensional geometry
Summary: Antlions construct pitfall traps in fine sand to catch their prey. Three-dimensional laser scanning was used for the first time to analyse the shape of an unusual antlion pit.
- Pygmy mouse songs reveal anatomical innovations underlying acoustic signal elaboration in rodents
Highlighted Article: Northern pygmy mice produce an elaborate song through laryngeal whistling supported by a large air sac located inside the larynx, providing novel insight into the anatomical and physiological basis of signal elaboration.
- Internal architecture of the mandibular condyle of rabbits is related to dietary resistance during growth
Summary: The trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle varies between rabbit groups raised on diets that differ in their mechanical properties and the timing of the introduction of mechanically challenging foods.
- Mind the gap: natural cleft palates reduce biting performance in bats
Summary: Naturally occurring, non-pathological cleft palates are common in bats. Cleft dimensions are correlated with skull shape, and clefts reduce bite force, increase stress and increase strain in bat skulls.
- Effects of natural wing damage on flight performance in Morpho butterflies: what can it tell us about wing shape evolution?
Summary: Investigation of natural wing damage in Morpho butterflies shows that flight performance depends on damage location, indicating that different wing parts play different roles during flight.
- Phenotypic plasticity of Drosophila suzukii wing to developmental temperature: implications for flight
Summary: The effect of wing plasticity to developmental temperature on flight was studied in Drosophila suzukii. Results indicate that cold-reared flies are capable of faster flight. The role of wing shape and size is discussed, along with the adaptive role of phenotypic plasticity.
- Sex reversal induces size and performance differences among females of the African pygmy mouse, Mus minutoides
Highlighted Article: Female Mus minutoides sometimes carry a Y chromosome. This chromosomal change is advantageous as sex-reversed females show greater skull size and higher bite force than XX females.