Abstract
We present a three dimensional (3D) morphometric modelling study of the scapulae of Felidae, with a focus on the correlations between forelimb postures and extracted scapular shape variations. Our shape modelling results indicate that the scapular infraspinous fossa becomes larger and relatively broader along the craniocaudal axis in larger felids. We infer that this enlargement of the scapular fossa may be a size-related specialization for postural support of the shoulder joint.
Highlights
The forelimbs of Felidae play important roles in locomotion [1]–[3] and are an essential part of the prey-killing apparatus [4]
Considering that body size, locomotor habits, and phylogenetic factors all influence scapular morphology, here we investigate how felid limb posture is correlated with 3D scapular morphology, in order to gain a greater understanding of the relationship between animal size, limb function, and scapular anatomy
By visualising the model with score of {2 l to z2 l (Figure 1), it can be seen that this morphological variations (MVs) predominantly responds to scapular size
Summary
The forelimbs of Felidae (cats) play important roles in locomotion [1]–[3] and are an essential part of the prey-killing apparatus [4]. Scaling and allometry studies indicate that body size can influence scapular morphology [6], [7]. In these regards, characterising the morphology of the scapula may provide insights into locomotion patterns and the particular functional capabilities associated with phylogenetic lineages such as Felidae. One must assess how particular shape parameters may be related to locomotor parameters This assessment is fairly straightforward for long bones but is more ambiguous for the scapula. [15]–[17]); the positions and numbers of landmarks varied between different studies This method may omit critical features by only focusing on a few manually selected anatomical landmarks. An approach is needed that considers the maximal amount of 3D morphological detail
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