Vários estudos sobre ontogenia e assimetria foram e vêm sendo realizados com cetáceos odontocetos através da utilização da morfometria convencional. Frequentemente compara-se o tamanho de estruturas do sistema respiratório de ambos os lados do crânio para avaliar a assimetria de tamanho e analisa-se o aumento de tamanho do corpo com a idade para avaliar ontogenia. Porém, através da morfometria convencional nem sempre é possível descrever ou representar a variabilidade de forma dos organismos, sendo que informações sobre a forma craniana dos odontocetos são bastante escassas. A morfometria geométrica é uma técnica que vem sendo amplamente utilizada em estudos de comparação da forma dos organismos, a qual leva em consideração o caráter geométrico das formas biológicas e analisa estatisticamente sua variação. Além disso, possibilita a realização de descrições independentes de forma e tamanho, o que permite que os mesmos sejam analisados separadamente. Sendo assim, este estudo se propôs a investigar as alterações ontogenéticas na forma e tamanho do crânio do boto-cinza, Sotalia guianensis, buscando alterações cranianas entre indivíduos de diferentes classes etárias, além de verificar a existência e analisar a assimetria direcional na forma e tamanho craniano para esta espécie. Para isso, os crânios foram digitalizados através de um braço digitalizador e depois de um tratamento geométrico as configurações geradas foram analisadas estatisticamente, a partir dos seus componentes de forma e tamanho. Foi observada assimetria de tamanho e forma para muitas das estruturas cranianas estudadas, notando-se diferenças com relação à assimetria entre as subunidades de desenvolvimento do crânio. Com relação à ontogenia, verificou-se um padrão semelhante para a alteração da forma e do tamanho com a idade, evidenciando que, tanto a forma como o tamanho craniano, se estabilizam por volta dos oito anos de idade. / Several studies exploring the ontogeny and asymmetry involving the skull and skeleton of the species of the Suborder Odontoceti have been performed using traditional morphometric techniques. Ontogenetic studies are usually based on the relationship between body size and age, while those focusing on the existence and degree of asymmetry compare the size of skull elements related to the respiratory tract. However, traditional morphometrics can not describe or represent adequately the variability of shape between organisms and therefore information about shape of dolphin skulls are very scarce. Geometric Morphometrics is a toolbox of techniques that is been widely applied in studies comparing the shape of organisms taking into consideration the biological shapes and analyzing their variation statistically. In addition, this technique allows to independently describe both shape and size separately, as well as exploring their relationship. The main objective of this study is to investigate the changes in skull shape and size during the ontogeny for the estuarine dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, characterizing the shape of the skull among different age groups. The second goal is to verify and analyze directional asymmetry in skull size and shape for this species. Dolphin skulls were scanned using a Microscribe-3D digitizer, statistically analyzing size and shape of the configurations created after translating, rotating and rescaling the original variables. Asymmetry in size and shape was detected for some cranial structures. There were also differences in asymmetry degree between the development subunits of the skull. For the ontogenetic trajectory it was detected a similar pattern of changes in shape and in size with age, in which both are stabilizing around eight years old for this species.

Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2016-07-28T16:40:34Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Núbia Carla Santos Marques - 2016.pdf: 2449653 bytes, checksum: 5c7b386d16140f146b1b891f400d91dc (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-08-01T12:57:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Núbia Carla Santos Marques - 2016.pdf: 2449653 bytes, checksum: 5c7b386d16140f146b1b891f400d91dc (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-01T12:57:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - Núbia Carla Santos Marques - 2016.pdf: 2449653 bytes, checksum: 5c7b386d16140f146b1b891f400d91dc (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Tadpoles of anuran species that occur in Cerrado can be found in several types of habitats. This habitat plasticity is possible because tadpoles have a high diversification in morphological adaptations that ensure an optimal performance in different ecological contexts. In this study, we were interested to investigate how environmental and spatial factors can explain the patterns of occurrence and distribution of tadpoles in Brazilian Cerrado and the interaction with tadpoles‘ morphological variation. We found that occurrence of tadpoles was explained by environmental variables and seven morphology-environment interactions. The most common tadpoles morphological change is related to body and tail size, and in eyes, nostril and mouth positions. Tadpoles‘ assemblage composition and morphological variation have significantly affected by spatial factors, but local environmental factors also play a major role defining morphological variation, although to a small degree. We discuss ecomorphological guilds of tadpoles and suggest that in larger guild (benthic tadpoles) can have morphology-environment interaction, while in the smaller ones (nektonic tadpoles) changes in feeding behavior and habitat selection is more common. There is a lack of knowledge about amphibian diversity, abundance and occurrence in Brazilian Cerrado and our study provide additional information about environmental and spatial factors that contribute to the patterns of occurrence and distribution of species. Abiotic factors (e.g. vegetation in ponds and land use) and spatial factors can contribute to individuals‘ phenotype changes and play a role in patterns of occurrence and tadpoles‘ assemblage composition. / Girinos de anuros que ocorrem no Cerrado podem ser encontrados em diversos tipos de habitats, sendo essa plasticidade de hábitats possível devido as adaptações morfológicas que asseguram uma boa performance em diferentes contextos ecológicos. Nesse presente estudo, nós investigamos como fatores ambientais e espaciais podem explicar os padrões de ocorrência e distribuição de girinos do Cerrado, além da interação com a variação morfológica dos indivíduos. A ocorrência dos girinos foi explicada por variáveis ambientais e sete interações morfologia-ambiente, sendo as mudanças morfológicas mais comuns: variação no tamanho do corpo e da cauda e mudanças nas posições dos olhos, narina e boca. A composição e a variação morfológica da assembleia de girinos são significativamente afetadas por fatores espaciais, mas fatores ambientais locais também desempenham um importante papel definindo a variação morfológica dos girinos, embora em um menor grau. Abordamos as guildas ecomorfológicas dos girinos e sugerimos que em guildas maiores pode haver variação morfológica atreladas as variáveis ambientais, enquanto nas menores mudanças no comportamento de forrageio e na seleção de hábitat são mais comuns. O presente estudo fornece informações adicionais sobre fatores ambientais e espaciais que contribuem para os padrões de ocorrência e distribuições das espécies de anuros. Fatores abióticos, por exemplo presença de vegetação e uso da terra ao redor da poça, também podem estar agindo mudando o fenótipo dos indivíduos e determinando a ocorrência e a composição das assembleias. Fatores espaciais também são determinantes em assembleias de girinos, sendo um grupo que possui baixa capacidade de dispersão. Girinos estão, em geral, limitados a poça que foi previamente escolhida pelo adulto, e processos neutros como nascimentos e mortes aleatórias na população podem operar nas assembleias.

As cobras são um grupo de vertebrados extremamente bem sucedido. Apesar da aparente simplicidade, elas conseguiram ocupar uma grande diversidade de habitats. O esqueleto axial das serpentes apresenta relação com vários aspectos da vida que puderam ter tido influência direta em seu sucesso evolutivo. Além disso, a forma dos elementos vertebrais possui valor taxonômico, fato que desperta particular interesse, visto que a maior parte do registro fóssil deste grupo é constituído por elementos vertebrais desarticulados. A morfometria geométrica utiliza informações sobre a posição de pontos em duas ou três dimensões, localizados sobre estruturas anatômicas para análise estatística da variação da forma. Esse conjunto de técnicas tem se mostrado eficaz em avaliar variações da forma que não seriam diagnosticadas por métodos tradicionais. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar as vértebras do esqueleto pré-cloacal de Serpentes no contexto da morfometria geométrica, considerando as influências ecológicas e filogenéticas sob estas estruturas, e investigando ainda a utilidade taxonômica da forma vertebral. Os resultados apresentados aqui sugerem a existência de uma padronização do esqueleto axial de serpentes que é conservada ao longo da história evolutiva desse grupo. Análises ecomorfológicas demonstram que a forma vertebral é fortemente influenciada por hábitos de vida como fossorialidade e constrição. A despeito da ausência de sinal filogenético, as análises de classificação de elementos vertebrais dissociados demonstram que a forma vertebral pode ser utilizada para a diagnose de vértebras isoladas. Esses resultados reforçam a necessidade de realização de análises de variação longitudinal para a identificação correta de material fóssil referente a este grupo. / Snakes are an extremely successful group of vertebrates. Despite their apparent morphological simplicity, they managed to occupy a great diversity of habitats. The axial skeleton of snakes has relationships with various aspects of their life history that could have had direct influence in the evolutionary success of these animals. Furthermore, the shape of the vertebrae is recognized as being of taxonomic value, a fact that elicits a special interest, since the majority of the fossil record of this group is composed of disarticulated vertebral elements. Geometric morphometrics methods use information about the position of landmarks in two or three dimensions, placed over anatomical structures for statistical analyses of shape variation. This group of techniques has been shown to identify shape variations that would not be diagnosed through traditional methods. The present work sought to evaluate the vertebrae of the pre-cloacal skeleton of Serpentes in the context of geometric morphometrics, evaluating the influences of ecology and phylogeny over the shape of these structures, and also investigating the taxonomic usefulness of vertebral shape. Results presented here suggest the existence of a patterning of the axial skeleton that is conserved throughout the evolutionary history of the group. An ecomorphological analysis demonstrates that the vertebral shape is highly influenced by life-history traits such as fossoriality and constriction. Despite the absence of phylogenetic signal, analyzes of classification of dissociated vertebral elements show that the vertebral shape can be used to diagnose isolated vertebrae. These results reiterate the necessity of performing studies of longitudinal variation in order to correctly identify fossil material associated with this group.

Os padrões de conformação craniana resultantes da seleção das raças durante o processo de domesticação do cão evidenciam as relações entre as diversas partes que compõe o crânio. As raças braquicefálicas apresentam as maiores variações na forma quando comparadas aos mesaticefálicos, padrão este já descrito de forma qualitativa na literatura. Neste estudo, por meio da morfometria geométrica, as diferentes regiões do crânio e mandíbula de exemplares pertencentes aos dois grupos foram analisadas quantitativamente. Foram selecionados 52 crânios e 57 pontos anatômicos, digitalizados em três dimensões representando a forma destes crânios. As coordenadas foram utilizadas em análises multivariadas, buscando a caracterização quantitativa das diferenças na forma entre os grupos. Para o estudo da assimetria, foram analisados o crânio e mandíbula separadamente: regiões de contato da dentição com o crânio e com a mandíbula; caixa craniana; fossa mandibular; processo condilar; arco zigomático e processo coronóide. Para a caracterização dos padrões de covariância, as regiões de interesse foram analisadas aos pares: contato da dentição com o crânio e a com a mandíbula; fossa mandibular e processo condilar; arco zigomático e processo coronóide; dentes 4o pré-molar superior e 1o molar inferior; crânio e mandíbula. As análises estatísticas mostraram diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos, braquicefálicos e mesaticefálicos, com assimetrias nas regiões do crânio e no contato da dentição com o crânio e com a mandíbula. Na análise do índice de covariância houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos no contato da dentição com o crânio e com a mandíbula; crânio e mandíbula; relação dos dentes 4o pré-molar superior e 1o molar inferior. Concluiu-se que as principais diferenças estão concentradas na região rostral do crânio e mandíbula, nas regiões de contato da dentição nestas regiões e entre o 4o pré-molar superior e 1o molar inferior. Estes resultados sugerem que as maiores variações no crânio dos braquicefálicos estão concentradas nas regiões que participam conjuntamente da mastigação, sem diferenças na parte caudal do sincrânio. / The observed variation in skull conformation of the breeds of domestic dogs is the result of selection during domestication process and it provide information about the patters of interaction among the different parts that constitutes this structure. Qualitative studies published in the literature shown that brachycephalic breeds have the highest variability in skull shape when compared to mesaticephalics. In this study, different regions of the skull of specimens belonging to both groups were analyzed quantitatively, using geometric morphometric techniques. Fifty-two skulls and 57 landmarks were selected and digitalized to perform a 3-D reconstruction of the skulls. Multivariated analyses over the coordinates were used to analize and quantify shape differences between the two groups. Patterns of asymmetry were explored for both, the cranium and mandible, analyzing separately six regions of interest: teeth contact between upper and lower jaw; braincase; mandibular fossae; condilar processes; zygomatic arches and coronoid processes. To evaluate covariance patterns the regions were analyzed in pairs: teeth contact between upper and lower jaw; mandibular fossae and condilar process; zygomatic arch and coronoid process; upper fourth premolar and lower first molar; cranium and mandible. The statistical analyses indicated significant differences between the brachycephalic and mesaticephalic groups for asymmetry at the different regions of the skull and teeth contact between upper and lower jaw. For the covariance patterns there is statistical significant difference for teeth occlusion between upper and lower jaw; skull and jaw; upper fourth premolar and lower first molar relationship. In conclusion, the main differences are located in the rostrum contact between upper and lower rostral teeth and upper fourth premolar and lower first molar. These results suggest that the highest shape variability in the skull of braquicephalics dogs is concentrated in structures that are used in the mastication, without differences at the caudal region of the jaws.

O presente trabalho avalia a variação não-geográfica de Necromys lasiurus (Lund, 1840) dentro do território brasileiro, utilizando a morfometria craniana. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de 20 medidas craniodentárias tomadas de 1.572 indivíduos depositados em diversas coleções brasileiras. Foram descritas classes etárias baseadas exclusivamente no desgaste dos molares superiores e as mesmas foram utilizadas como índices etários para a avaliação da variação etária. Foram realizadas análises uni e multivariadas para descrever a variação sexual e etária de N. lasiurus considerando primeiramente toda a amostra e, em seguida, separadamente para cada localidade ou agrupamento cujo número amostral se mostrou suficiente para a condução dos testes estatísticos. N. lasiurus revelou dimorfismo relacionado às classes etárias intermediárias tanto na amostra total quanto nas amostras locais. No entanto, a ocorrência de dimorfismo sexual não se repetiu em todas as localidades avaliadas. A análise da variação etária com a amostra total revelou importantes padrões de variação craniana, como o rápido desenvolvimento da região orofacial em relação a outras regiões do crânio. No entanto, a avaliação da ontogenia nas amostras locais revelou diversos padrões ontogenéticos distintos. Além disso, as análises multivariadas apontam para a existência de uma estruturação geográfica da variação, corroborando estudos anteriores com a espécie. Os resultados obtidos indicam que futuras análises de cunho geográfico e taxonômico sobre N. lasiurus devem abordar os sexos de maneira separada e as classes etárias podem ser homogeneizadas para a formação de amostras com indivíduos suficientes para permitir a realização de análises estatísticas. / The present study assess the non-geographic variation of Necromys lasiurus (Lund, 1840) in Brazil, using skull morphometrics. A total of 20 craniometric measurements were taken from 1,572 specimens deposited in many Brazilian zoological collections. Age classes were described based on the wear stage of the superior molars and used as index to asses the variation due to age. Uni and multivariate analyses were used in order to describe the sexual and ontogenetic variation of N. lasiurus, first using the total sample and then using geographic samples that contained sufficient individuals for the application of the statistical tests. N. lasiurus presented sexual dimorphism related to intemediate age classes in total and in some local samples. The age assessment revealed important ontogenetic patterns of the skull development, like the rapid growth of orofacial region compared to other parts. The local analyses revealed individual patterns of variation for each sample. Besides, the multivariate approach showed geographic patterns of variation, just like previous studies said. The results of this study indicate that future geographic and taxonomic investigations on N. lasiurus should keep both sexes separated and the age classes could be homogenized in order do form adequate samples that allow the application of statistical tests.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-10T15:15:37Z No. of bitstreams: 1 sarahdasilvamendes.pdf: 575630 bytes, checksum: ad12b2b2db4042c4e06195378407b834 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-17T15:09:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 sarahdasilvamendes.pdf: 575630 bytes, checksum: ad12b2b2db4042c4e06195378407b834 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-17T15:09:44Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 sarahdasilvamendes.pdf: 575630 bytes, checksum: ad12b2b2db4042c4e06195378407b834 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-17T15:09:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 sarahdasilvamendes.pdf: 575630 bytes, checksum: ad12b2b2db4042c4e06195378407b834 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-26 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Os filhotes e juvenis de quelônios não apresentam anatomicamente características sexuais secundárias visíveis, não sendo possível diferenciar o sexo através da observação da carapaça. Vários autores defendem a análise histológica como a melhor técnica para se realizar a sexagem de filhotes da espécie Caretta caretta. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar a identificação sexual de filhotes de C. caretta através da morfometria geométrica e da histomorfologia. Foram utilizados 73 filhotes natimortos, coletados em diversos ninhos ao longo da Praia da Guanabara, Anchieta, Espírito Santo, Brasil. Para a análise morfométrica, cada animal teve a carapaça fotografada. Posicionado em decúbito dorsal foram retirados o plastrão, intestino grosso, fígado e bexiga para permitir a visualização das gônadas e rins, que após fotografados foram armazenados em formalina 10% tamponada. Foram utilizados os softwares TPSUtil, TPSDig2, CoordGen, PCAGen e CVAGen para as análises morfométricas. O processamento do material seguiu as etapas convencionais da técnica histológica. Com base na análise de componentes principais (PCA), PC1 explicou 19,83% da variação na carapaça dos filhotes, enquanto PC2 explicou 14,71%. Análise de variáveis canônicas revelou que há uma tendência de dimorfismo sexual entre os filhotes, através da carapaça e que essa pode estar relacionada com o sexo dos exemplares. As gônadas estavam localizadas próximas ao hilo renal, com formato filiforme. Nos ovários foi possível observar um córtex com epitélio cúbico e bem desenvolvido, associado a uma medula desorganizada e rica em matriz intersticial. O córtex dos testículos era composto por uma fina camada de epitélio pavimentoso simples, uma medula muito bem desenvolvida e com pouca matriz intersticial, observando-se vários túbulos seminíferos, nitidamente distinguíveis. Trabalhos realizados com filhotes de tartaruga cabeçuda e outras espécies de quelônios, utilizando a morfometria geométrica, também demonstraram haver diferenças na carapaça que distinguem o sexo de filhotes recém nascidos. As características histológicas identificadas foram semelhantes às encontradas por outros autores. Outros trabalhos defendem que a análise macroscópica é suficiente para identificar o sexo de filhotes de tartarugas, o que foi demonstrado efetivamente para Dermochelys coriacea e Chelonia mydas, mas não foi efetivo para C. caretta. A morfometria geométrica se mostrou uma ferramenta útil, tendo a histomorfometria das gônadas de filhotes de C. caretta, confirmado o dimorfismo sexual apontado pela morfometria geométrica. / The hatchlings and juvenile turtles have not anatomically visible secondary sex characteristics, it is not possible to differentiate sex by viewing the carapace. Several authors advocate histological analysis as the best technique for performing sexing chicks of the species Caretta caretta. The aim of this study was to identify sex of baby C. caretta by geometric morphometrics and histomorphology. 73 stillborn pups were used, collected in different nests along the Guanabara´s, Beach Anchieta, Espírito Santo, Brazil. For morphometric analysis each animal had photographed the shell. Were positioned supine removed the plastron, large intestine, liver and bladder to allow visualization of the kidneys and gonads, photographed after they were stored in 10% buffered formalin. We used the software TPSUtil, TPSDig2, CoordGen, PCAGen CVAGen for morphometrics analysis. The histological analysis followed the steps of conventional histological technique. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), PC1 explained 19.83% of the variation in the carapace of the puppies, while PC2 explained 14.71%. Canonical analysis revealed that there is a trend of sexual dimorphism between the pups through the carapace and that this may be related to the sex of the specimens. The gonads were located near the renal hilum, with threadlike format. Ovarian cortex was possible to observe a cuboidal epithelium with well developed, associated with a disorganized medulla and interstitial-rich matrix. The cortex of the testes was composed of a thin layer of simple squamous epithelium, a very well-developed marrow and low interstitial matrix, observing several seminiferous tubules clearly distinguishable. The macroscopic analysis of gonads alone does not allow the differentiation of the sexes, thus corroborating other work done with this species and other sea turtles. Work done with baby loggerhead turtles and other species also showed significant differences in the carapace that distinguish the sex of newly hatched chicks. The histological features were similar to those identified by other authors, some argue that the macroscopic analysis is sufficient to identify the sex of pups, which has been shown to effectively Dermochelys coriacea and Chelonia mydas, but was not effective in C. caretta. Hormonal measurements were also satisfactory to sex in order to cubs C. mydas, but authors disagree on this method to other species. The geometric morphometrics has the potential to Histology is an excellent tool for choosing to sex most used so far.

Orientador: Antonia Cecília Zacagnini Amaral / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T06:06:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Daolio_RachelFurioso_M.pdf: 2566347 bytes, checksum: 646f1db51330af90d55b405f39cb815b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Os polidorídeos são poliquetas da família Spionidae cuja característica principal é a presença de cerdas em forma de ganchos no 5° setígero. Algumas espécies habitam fundos não consolidados, enquanto que outras, como Polydora neocaeca, habitam substratos consolidados, podendo ou não perfurar estruturas calcárias como corais e conchas de moluscos. A forma de perfuração é pouco compreendida, existindo hipóteses de que seja mecânica, química ou a combinação desses processos. A infestação raramente causa a morte direta dos hospedeiros, porém os torna suscetíveis a outros parasitas e doenças. Por essa razão, os polidorídeos são considerados pestes pela indústria de moluscos. Polydora neocaeca parasita o mexilhão Mytella charruana que pode ser encontrado formando bancos na região entremarés de praias abrigadas. Dois bancos de M. charruana localizados nas praias do Camaroeiro e da Cidade na enseada de Caraguatatuba (Litoral Norte do Estado de São Paulo) foram estudados de março de 2006 a março de 2007. Na porção central de cada banco, foram traçados transectos perpendiculares à linha d¿água, sendo sorteado mensalmente um de cada banco para amostragem. Em cada transecto, substratos de três níveis foram coletados com o auxílio de um delimitador de 0,04 m² para a triagem dos mitilídeos e dos polidorídeos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo (1) caracterizar as duas áreas de estudo quanto a variáveis ambientais (perfil praial, salinidade da água intersticial, temperaturas do ar e do sedimento e granulometria, teor de calcário e conteúdo de matéria orgânica do sedimento) e estrutura (densidade de M. charruana); (2) analisar a morfometria dos dois grupos de P. neocaeca (do Camaroeiro e da Cidade); e (3) avaliar a biologia populacional destes, incluindo sua dinâmica, estrutura etária, recrutamento, crescimento e mortalidade. O perfil da praia do Camaroeiro permitiu classificá-la como de dissipativa a intermediária e, o da Cidade, como intermediária do tipo terraço de baixamar. A densidade de M. charruana, o conteúdo médio de calcário e a fração do sedimento de silte + argila foram maiores no banco da Cidade. As demais variáveis foram semelhantes entre os dois bancos. O único modelo de crescimento alométrico que apresentou um bom suporte ás medidas morfométricas dos dois grupos de P. neocaeca foi o modelo de dois segmentos. Esses polidorídeos apresentaram alometria negativa, ou seja, ao longo do seu desenvolvimento o aumento no número total de setígeros é proporcionalmente menor do que o aumento no comprimento total. A largura do setígero 5 foi selecionada como a medida parcial mais adequada para a estimativa do tamanho total dos indivíduos. Apesar da diferença estrutural entre os bancos, P. neocaeca apresentou padrão temporal de recrutamento e parâmetros de crescimento semelhantes entre os dois grupos. Isso sugere que há fluxo gênico (via dispersão) entre eles, tratando-se de uma única população. Porém, a abundância, o tamanho médio da largura do setígero 5 e a longevidade desses polidorídeos foram maiores na Cidade, enquanto que sua mortalidade foi maior no Camaroeiro. Essas diferenças estão mais relacionadas á densidade de mitilídeos hospedeiros (maior no banco da Cidade) do que ás demais variáveis analisadas / Abstract: Polydorids are polychaetes from the Spionidae family whose main characteristic is the presence of modified hooks on the 5th setiger. Some species inhabit soft substrata, while others, such as Polydora neocaeca, inhabit hard substrata, boring or not self-excavated burrows on calcareous structures such as corals and mollusk shells. The boring mechanism is poorly understood and might be mechanical, chemical or the combination of these processes. The infestation rarely causes the direct death of hosts, but makes them susceptible to other parasites and diseases. Thus polydorids are considered as pests by the fishery industry. Polydora neocaeca parasites the Mytella charruana mussel, which can be found forming beds on the intertidal region of sheltered beaches. Two M. charruana beds located at the Camaroeiro and the Cidade beaches from Caraguatatuba Bay (North Coast of São Paulo State) were studied from March 2006 to March 2007. On the central portion of each mussel bed, transects were delimited perpendicular to the waterline, with one from each mussel bed being monthly sampled. On each transect, three levels of substrata were collected with a 0.04 m² corer in order to sample the mytilid and the polydorid individuals. This study aimed to (1) characterize the two sites regarding their environmental variables (beach slope, interstitial water salinity, air and sediment temperatures, and sediment granulometry, calcareous content and organic matter) and structure (M. charruana density); (2) analyze the morphometrics of the two groups of P. neocaeca (Camaroeiro and Cidade); and (3) assess the population biology of these groups, including their dynamics, size structure, recruitment, growth and mortality. The Camaroeiro beach slope enabled its classification as a dissipative to intermediate beach, and the Cidade one, as a low-tide terrace intermediate beach. The M. charruana density, the mean calcareous content, and the silt + clay sediment fraction were higher at the Cidade mussel bed. The other variables were similar between the two beds. The only allometric growth model that showed good support as to the morphometric measures of both P. neocaeca groups was the two segments model. These polydorids showed negative alometry, which indicates that, along their development, the total number of setigers increase is proportionately smaller than the total length increase. The width of the setiger 5 was selected as the most appropriate partial measure for estimating the individuals total size. Despite the structural difference between the mussel beds, P. neocaeca presented similar recruitment temporal pattern and growth parameters between the two groups. This suggests that there is a gene flow (by dispersal) between them, which constitute a single population. However, the abundance, the mean width of the setiger 5 and the longevity of these polydorids were higher at Cidade, whereas their mortality was higher at Camaroeiro. These differences are more related to the host density (higher at the Cidade mussel bed) than to the other analyzed variables / Mestrado / Ecologia / Mestra em Ecologia

An organism's body size entails both physiological and ecological costs. Furthermore, as a parameter in analyzing organisms, it represents a fundamental and essential morphometric character. Reductions in size following mass extinction is a commonly observed phenomenon in the fossil record. This study examines the evolutionary significance of this phenomenon termed the: 'Lilliput Effect' by proposing that it represents a rapid evolutionary response to altered selection pressures during a mass extinction. This primary hypothesis is evaluated against two additional hypotheses of size reduction: 1) stunted growth as a response to stressed ecosystems, and/or 2) mass extinctions are size selective. These hypotheses were tested using data from shell size measurements and morphology primarily from molluscs and brachiopods from both North America and Denmark.. Morphological differences were evaluated using Elliptical Fourier Analysis (EFA) of outline shape in conjunction with Principle Components and Canonical Variate Analysis. The first part of this study provides a detailed methodology for data collection and analysis. New methods were developed which display promise in improving the degree to which differences and similarities in shape can be elucidated using EFA. These methods were then employed to test hypotheses of morphological change through minor events of local significance in the Florida Neogene and following the K/Pg mass extinction. Data sources for the K/Pg mass extinction were from high resolution (10 cm intervals) collection of bulk samples from the Brazos River in Texas as well as reposited museum specimens for the Braggs locality in Alabama and Danish samples. Study of size and evolution through more minor local events in the fossil record entailed measurements and shape analysis of left valves of bivalves from the genus Chine. Various environmental changes occurred at variousmpoints during the Neogene in Florida Neogene, most profoundly documented during the Plio-Pleistocene with accompanying faunal turnover. TheChione specimens analyzed were derived from a discontinuous sequence encompassing ~18 Ma and represent material from the Miocene Chipola Formation through to the Recent. The size of Chione increased from the Miocene to the Pliocene and then decreased from the Pliocene into the Pleistocene possibly due to lower primary productivity. The later part of the Pleistocene into the Recent was characterized by increased size relative to the early Pleistocene and size was stable through this interval. Morphologically, Chione changed in shape from the Miocene to the Pliocene, but remained in stasis from the Pliocene to the Recent suggesting that stabilizing selection may work well during periods of rapid, minor, environmental perturbations. There were a number of global changes occurring within the late Maastrichtian pr and the results of size measurements of molluscs demonstrate a decrease in size prior to the K/Pg mass extinction in Texas likely in response to a number of global scale events occurring towards the close of the Cretaceous that was also associated with morphological evolution in the small bivalve Breviarca webbervillensis. Paleocene material from Texas was dominated by smaller, newly evolved allochthonous grazing gastropods. These gastropods are thought to be newly evolved lineages as their first occurrence is marked in the Paleocene. Smaller sized nuculid bivalves were also a prominent feature in the Texas Paleocene and showed a rapid size beginning 40 cm above the boundary clay. At Braggs, Alabama, two groups, gastropods and oysters showed decreases in size across the boundary, and these changes are most likely a product of animpoverished Paleocene ecosystem. The pectinids were the only group of bivalve mollusc to xii reduce in size following extinction in Denmark most likely in response to a reduction in bryozoan substrate which resulted in a very soft coccolith-derived mud substrate in the mass extinction's aftermath. Size measurements from the Danish brachiopods showed reductions in size across the boundary in all genera except Rugia. There was a marked size reduction in specimens from the upper Maastrichtian at Stevns Klint as compared to the lower Maastrichtian at Mons Klint. The reasons for this are most likely due to lower temperatures at Stevns based on isotope data as well as lower productivity evidenced by lower δ13C values. There was a change in morphology for Terebratulina chrysalis in the earliest Paleogene due to shifted selective pressures favoring increased surface area as an adaptation to softer substrates. Size reduction within Danish sequences is evolutionary in nature as the Danian is characterized by different species within existing Maastrichtian genera and two new genera. The results of this study demonstrate that changes in body size can be a result of evolution from changing selective pressures as well as ecological perturbations. Distinguishing evolutionary forcings from ecological requires the collection and understanding of morphological data. Changes in size for Terebratulina chrysalis could have easily been interpreted as ecological were it not for morphological results showing the changes in surface area resulting from changing selective pressure. Late Cretaceous changes in climate and sea level produced observable changes in size and morphology in Breviarca webbervillensis. Potential size selectivity of the K/Pg mass extinction failed to account for any of the patterns observed in the data. Gryphaeid oysters in Denmark would have been a perfect candidate to support conclusions of size selectivity as they were the largest molluscs measured in this study and survived mass extinction.

This thesis explores the findings of a diachronic analysis of three lithic assemblages from Quadra Island, British Columbia. From this, insights flow about the genealogies of technological practice and communities of skilled practitioners who inhabited the study area throughout its deep history. I use qualitative and quantitative methods including macroscopic lithic analysis, thin section petrography, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and morphometrics to operationalize these theoretical foundations. This suite of complementary methods and theory weaves a narrative of technological change alongside simultaneous continuity for hundreds of generations of human life. I argue this is evidence of the dynamic, sophisticated, yet enduring knowledge and practice of the inhabitants of the Discovery Islands throughout their deep histories that persist in the present. / Graduate / 2019-04-16

Antedonidae (Crinoidea: Comatulida) is the largest of extant crinoid families; it currently includes ~155 accepted species in 50 genera and accounts for ~23% of extant crinoid species (~29% of feather stars) and 27% of genera. Molecular phylogenies have returned the family as polyphyletic, with several clades scattered among non-antedonid sister groups (Hemery 2011, Hemery et al. 2013, Rouse et al. in prep.). Traditional morphological characteristics are thus inadequate for reconstructing relationships among taxa. SEM imaging was used in an effort to discover new diagnostic features that will support the molecular data, focusing on skeletal ossicles within the calyx, specifically the radial ossicles, as they are least likely to be affected by their hydrodynamic environment. Geometric morphometric analysis and landmark software were used to systematically compare equivalent skeletal parts among antedonid and non-antedonid sister taxa to identify likely homologies and homoplasies. Principal Component Analysis (PCA/BGPCA) and Procrustes ANOVAs were used for visualizing and testing variances within and between taxonomic and molecular groups. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) was used with leave-one-out cross validation (LOOCV) to identify any misclassifications based on morphological similarities. UPGMA Hierarchical clustering models using both Procrustes and Mahalanobis distances were produced for comparison, and inter-landmark measurements were compared between species in search for possible intra-radial character states. Results yielded significant variation of radial morphology within the family Antedonidae with significant effects by depth range, taxonomic classification, and phylogenetic forces. All species with a radial height to width (H:W) ratio <1.0 were restricted to the shallower depths (0-200m) and notable morphological similarities were seen within both molecular clades and taxonomic subfamilies (Antedoninae and Thysanometrinae excepted). Regional affects were seen within the subfamily Antedoninae, as the Atlantic antedonines differed significantly from the Pacific antedonines, both in overall radial appearance and in H:W ratio. These results, with limited variation within molecular clades, give at least rudimentary support to recent molecular phylogenetics and promote further morphological studies of this nature that will strengthen our understanding of extant crinoid phylogeny (Bull et al. 1993, Littlewood et al. 1997, Hemery 2011, Rouse et al. 2013, Roux et al. 2013).