Phylogenetic and ontogenetic parallelisms on talo-calcaneal superposition

Abstract

The process of talo-calcaneal superposition is one of the most important steps in the transformation of the reptilian foot (primitive) into the mammalian foot (modern). This change was developed in certain families of mammal-like reptiles and transitional mammals during the Mesozoic age and represents a different path in the morphological development of the foot to that of other dominant reptiles (Dinosaurs, etc.). The talo-calcaneal superposition takes place during the embryonic stage of human life and ends during the primary stages of the foetal period of the same. This study aims to demonstrate the similarities between the phylogenic and ontogenic development of the said morphological change.