Skull Morphology of Carnivorous Mammals
Start Date
29-4-2022 3:00 PM
Location
Alter 307
Abstract
The Order Carnivora is the most ecologically diverse out of all mammals. Previous research indicates that among the evolutionary pressures creating this vast diversity of carnivores, bite force is particularly important. The relationship between skull morphology and predation was observed among three different species of carnivorous mammals, specifically: the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). A total of 10 morphological traits of the jaw and skull (6 and 4 respectively) were observed and adjusted using size standardization. The data was then analyzed using analysis of variance test (ANOVA). Results showed feeding ecology for animals like the eastern quoll has evolved their jaws to be significantly less powerful based on lesser mechanical advantage through the temporalis muscle, the muscle associated with powerful biting and killing of prey. The spotted hyena showed significantly greater temporal fossa length, but lower tooth row length and zygomatic arch width compared to all other species. These hyenas are known for crushing bones, so larger muscles in a smaller mouth could have provided an evolutionary advantage for them. The Tasmanian devil is also a ferocious predator, reflected by significantly greater mechanical advantage of the temporalis compared to all other species observed excluding the spotted hyena. In the evolutionary arms race for bite force in carnivores, spotted hyenas and Tasmanian devils show extraordinarily strong jaws, enabling their persistent predation. Summary of findings: Spotted hyena and Tasmanian devil show significantly stronger skull and jaw muscles, evolved to adapt to feeding on stronger prey in their ecological niches.
Skull Morphology of Carnivorous Mammals
Alter 307
The Order Carnivora is the most ecologically diverse out of all mammals. Previous research indicates that among the evolutionary pressures creating this vast diversity of carnivores, bite force is particularly important. The relationship between skull morphology and predation was observed among three different species of carnivorous mammals, specifically: the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus), and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). A total of 10 morphological traits of the jaw and skull (6 and 4 respectively) were observed and adjusted using size standardization. The data was then analyzed using analysis of variance test (ANOVA). Results showed feeding ecology for animals like the eastern quoll has evolved their jaws to be significantly less powerful based on lesser mechanical advantage through the temporalis muscle, the muscle associated with powerful biting and killing of prey. The spotted hyena showed significantly greater temporal fossa length, but lower tooth row length and zygomatic arch width compared to all other species. These hyenas are known for crushing bones, so larger muscles in a smaller mouth could have provided an evolutionary advantage for them. The Tasmanian devil is also a ferocious predator, reflected by significantly greater mechanical advantage of the temporalis compared to all other species observed excluding the spotted hyena. In the evolutionary arms race for bite force in carnivores, spotted hyenas and Tasmanian devils show extraordinarily strong jaws, enabling their persistent predation. Summary of findings: Spotted hyena and Tasmanian devil show significantly stronger skull and jaw muscles, evolved to adapt to feeding on stronger prey in their ecological niches.
