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Journal article
Fin ray patterns at the fin-to-limb transition
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, v 117(3), pp 1612-1620
21 Jan 2020
PMID: 31888998
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
The fin-to-limb transition was marked by the origin of digits and the loss of dermal fin rays. Paleontological research into this transformation has focused on the evolution of the endoskeleton, with little attention paid to fin ray structure and function. To address this knowledge gap, we study the dermal rays of the pectoral fins of 3 key tetrapodomorph taxa-
(Rhizodontida),
(Tristichopteridae), and
(Elpistostegalia)-using computed tomography. These data show several trends in the lineage leading to digited forms, including the consolidation of fin rays (e.g., reduced segmentation and branching), reduction of the fin web, and unexpectedly, the evolution of asymmetry between dorsal and ventral hemitrichia. In
, dorsal rays cover the preaxial endoskeleton slightly more than ventral rays. In
, dorsal rays fully cover the third and fourth mesomeres, while ventral rays are restricted distal to these elements, suggesting the presence of ventralized musculature at the fin tip analogous to a fleshy "palm." Asymmetry is also observed in cross-sectional areas of dorsal and ventral rays.
dorsal rays are slightly larger than ventral rays; by contrast,
dorsal rays can be several times larger than ventral rays, and degree of asymmetry appears to be greater at larger sizes. Analysis of extant osteichthyans suggests that cross-sectional asymmetry in the dermal rays of paired fins is plesiomorphic to crown group osteichthyans. The evolution of dermal rays in crownward stem tetrapods reflects adaptation for a fin-supported elevated posture and resistance to substrate-based loading prior to the origin of digits.
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Details
- Title
- Fin ray patterns at the fin-to-limb transition
- Creators
- Thomas A Stewart - University of ChicagoJustin B Lemberg - University of ChicagoNatalia K Taft - University of Wisconsin–ParksideIhna Yoo - University of ChicagoEdward B Daeschler - Drexel UniversityNeil H Shubin - University of Chicago
- Publication Details
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, v 117(3), pp 1612-1620
- Publisher
- PNAS
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000508977600055
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85078160726
- Other Identifier
- 991019168668704721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Zoology