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Home / Equine Research Bank / Proc Biol Sci / Biogeography a key influence on distal forelimb variation in...
Proceedings. Biological sciences2021; 288(1942); 20202465; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2465

Biogeography a key influence on distal forelimb variation in horses through the Cenozoic.

Abstract: Locomotion in terrestrial tetrapods is reliant on interactions between distal limb bones (e.g. metapodials and phalanges). The metapodial-phalangeal joint in horse (Equidae) limbs is highly specialized, facilitating vital functions (shock absorption; elastic recoil). While joint shape has changed throughout horse evolution, potential drivers of these modifications have not been quantitatively assessed. Here, I examine the morphology of the forelimb metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of horses and their extinct kin (palaeotheres) using geometric morphometrics and disparity analyses, within a phylogenetic context. I also develop a novel alignment protocol that explores the magnitude of shape change through time, correlated against body mass and diet. MCP shape was poorly correlated with mass or diet proxies, although significant temporal correlations were detected at 0-1 Myr intervals. A clear division was recovered between New and Old World hipparionin MCP morphologies. Significant changes in MCP disparity and high rates of shape divergence were observed during the Great American Biotic Interchange, with the MCP joint becoming broad and robust in two separate monodactyl lineages, possibly exhibiting novel locomotor behaviour. This large-scale study of MCP joint shape demonstrates the apparent capacity for horses to rapidly change their distal limb morphology to overcome discrete locomotor challenges in new habitats.
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Publication Date: 2021-01-13 PubMed ID: 33434465PubMed Central: PMC7892410DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.2465Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on examining the changes in the shape of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint in the forelimbs of horses and their extinct relatives during their evolution, in relation to environmental factors such as body mass, diet, and geographical location.

Research Methodology and Analysis

  • The author studies the morphology of the forelimb MCP joint in horses and extinct horse-like animals, better known as palaeotheres. This is achieved by applying a method known as geometric morphometrics, which is a statistical tool used to analyze variations in form and the correlations between different attributes.
  • The study also takes into account the impact of evolution on this transformation. This is done through a process called disparity analysis that involves comparing the morphological differences among species in relation to their phylogeny, that is, their evolutionary history.
  • A unique alignment protocol is also introduced in this research. It aims to measure the extent of shape change through time and evaluates its correlation with aspects such as body mass and diet.

Research Findings and Conclusions

  • The shape of the MCP joint was found to have little direct correlation with factors like mass or diet, although significant time-related correlations were evident at one million year intervals.
  • A notable difference was found in the MCP joint morphology of hipparionins (ancient three-toed horses) between those from the New and Old World.
  • During a significant geographical migration known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, there were significant changes in MCP disparity and high rates of shape divergence were observed. Specifically, the MCP joint became broad and robust in two separate monodactyl (single-toed) lineages, suggesting the adoption of new locomotor behaviors.
  • The study overall emphasizes the apparent ability of horses to rapidly alter their distal limb morphology in response to distinct locomotor challenges in new environments, highlighting the significant role of biogeography in this process.

Cite This Article

APA
MacLaren JA. (2021). Biogeography a key influence on distal forelimb variation in horses through the Cenozoic. Proc Biol Sci, 288(1942), 20202465. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.2465

Publication

Proceedings. Biological sciences
ISSN: 1471-2954
NlmUniqueID: 101245157
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 288
Issue: 1942
Pages: 20202465
PII: 20202465

Researcher Affiliations

MacLaren, Jamie A
  • Evolution and Diversity Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Geology, Université de Liege, Building B18, Allée du Six Août 14, Sart-Tillman Campus, Liege 4000, Belgium.
  • Functional Morphology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerpen 2610, Belgium.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Ecosystem
  • Forelimb
  • Horses
  • Locomotion
  • Phylogeny

Conflict of Interest Statement

I declare I have no competing interests.

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