Geometric Morphological Analysis Of Skulls In The Species Of Genus Batrachuperus

The skull is a combination of various organs and physiological functions,which including chewing,audio-visual,supporting the brain and the skull.Thus,the morphological and structural characteristics of the skull have attracted much attention,and play an important role in the systematics and evolution of animals.The skull characteristics of the unique amphibians in Asia,the species of genus Batrachuperus,also play an important role in their systematics and evolution.In this study,geometric morphology studies were performed on the skulls of 70 individuals from 12 populations of 5 species(B.tibetanus,B.karlschmidti,B.pinchonii,B.yenyuanensis,B.londongensis)of genus Batrachuperus,which are endemic to China.The aims are:(1)Comparing the similarities and differences between individual skulls from different geographical populations of the same species,clarifying the intraspecies differences in the skull,and combining the ecological environment data to explore the adaptation of skulls to the environment;(2)Comparing the differences in morphological characteristics and size of skulls among different species,confirmed the classification of the species in this genus based on the results of geometric morphology;(3)Exploring whether allometric growth was present in skulls.Through the carried out of this study,we can not only clarify the intraspecific and interspecific differences of skull among species of this genus,but also provide support for the taxonomic study of these species.At the same time,we can lay a foundation for the study of adaptive evolution of morphological characteristics,which has important theoretical and scientific significance.The findings and conclusions are as follows:(1)There are significant differences in skull morphology among different populations of different species(B.tibetanus,B.karlschmidti,B.pinchonii)of genus Batrachuperus,which is the morphological differentiation of species in order to adapt to different habitats.There was no significant difference in the ventral skull between Shade and Xinduqiao populations in B.karlschmidti.The similarity may be due to living in similar environment.(2)Among the populations of different species of genus Batrachuperus(B.tibetanus,B.karlschmidti,B.pinchonii),the variations are related to distance of populations,which are consistent with the distance isolation model.(3)There was no significant difference in skull size between populations of B.karlschmidti and B.pinchonii.It may be related to the close distance between populations,similar food supply,similar elevation and temperature,and similar habitats.(4)Allometric growth was presented in the skulls of B.karlschmidti,B.pinchonii and B.tibetanus,which contributes significantly to the overall morphological changes of the skulls of the three species.Allometric growth may be related to habitat quality.(5)There are significant differences in skull size among species of genus Batrachuperus.Differences of skull size may be related to altitude,temperature,rainfall and food supply.(6)There are significant differences in skull morphology between different species of the genus Batrachuperus,which mainly in the maxilla,pterygoid,squamosal,nasal and vomer.The difference of skull morphology may be related to rainfall,life rhythm and light intensity.