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Science 30 August 1985:
Vol. 229. no. 4716, pp. 871 - 874
DOI: 10.1126/science.4023715
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Articles

Science, Vol 229, Issue 4716, 871-874
Copyright © 1985 by American Association for the Advancement of Science

articles

Morphological novelty in the limb skeleton accompanies miniaturization in salamanders

J Hanken

Salamanders of the genus Thorius (Plethodontidae) are among the smallest tetrapods. Hypotheses of limb skeletal evolution in these vertebrates were evaluated on the basis of estimates of natural variation, comparisons of skeletal homology, and analysis of molecular phylogeny. Nine carpal arrangements occur in Thorius, more than in all twelve related genera of typically larger salamanders; six of these arrangements are unique. They represent a trend toward a decrease in the number of separate cartilages that is independent of locomotor and ecological specialization. Miniaturization may be an important source of morphological novelty, distinct from local adaptation, in vertebrates.


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