Evolution of Rattlesnake Style Morphology
Author Information
Author(s): Meik Jesse M, Pires-daSilva André
Primary Institution: The University of Texas at Arlington
Hypothesis
The study investigates how the morphology of the rattlesnake style has evolved in relation to rattle morphology and vertebral elements.
Conclusion
The evolution of the rattlesnake style is characterized by two independent transitions from small styles composed of few coalesced vertebral elements to large, globose styles composed of many caudal vertebrae.
Supporting Evidence
- Evolutionary Principal Components Analysis revealed an inverse relationship between caudal segmental counts and style size.
- Most basal rattlesnake species have small styles consisting of few compacted vertebral elements.
- Two independent transitions to larger styles occurred early in rattlesnake evolution.
Takeaway
Rattlesnakes have different styles at the end of their tails, and these styles have changed a lot over time, which helps them make their rattles.
Methodology
The study used digital radiographs and measurements from 34 species of rattlesnakes to analyze style morphology.
Limitations
The phylogeny of rattlesnakes remains poorly resolved, which may affect interpretations of evolutionary relationships.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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