Myology of the Feeding Apparatus of Myrmecophagid Anteaters (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)

@article{Reiss1997MyologyOT,
  title={Myology of the Feeding Apparatus of Myrmecophagid Anteaters (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae)},
  author={Karen Zich Reiss},
  journal={Journal of Mammalian Evolution},
  year={1997},
  volume={4},
  pages={87-117}
}
  • K. Reiss
  • Published 1 June 1997
  • Biology
  • Journal of Mammalian Evolution
The musculoskeletal feeding apparatus of anteaters in the family Myrmecophagidae (Eutheria: Xenarthra) is described, compared among the three extant genera (Tamandua, Myrmecophaga, Cyclopes), and interpreted in a phylogenetic framework. Character polarities are assessed with reference to other xenarthrans, eutherians, and didelphid marsupials. Xenarthrans are widely regarded as basal eutherians, and this is reflected in the apparent retention of plesiomorphic character states in jaw and… 
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28 Citations

Morphology of the tongue of Vermilingua (Xenarthra: Pilosa) and evolutionary considerations

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The evolution of hyoid apparatus in Xenarthra (Mammalia: Eutheria)

The morphology of the hyoid apparatus in xenarthrans is compared, describing its general morphology and variation in each major clade and scoring these variations as phylogenetic characters, which were submitted to ancestral states reconstructions.

Morphology and function of the hyoid apparatus of fossil xenarthrans (mammalia)

The rigidity of the apparatus suggests limited tongue protrusion, but the tongue, in glyptodonts at least, was a powerful structure important for intraoral manipulation of food.

On the phylogenetic position of monotremes (Mammalia, Monotremata)

The Jurassic shuotheriid Pseudotribos shows a great plesiomorphic similarity to monotremes in the structure of the pectoral girdle, with a large interclavicle immovably connected to the clavicle.

Comparative masticatory myology in anteaters and its implications for interpreting morphological convergence in myrmecophagous placentals

It is found that anteaters, pangolins, and aardvarks present distinct anatomies despite morphological and ecological convergences, and pygmy anteaters (Cyclopes) present a relatively larger and architecturally complex temporal musculature than that of collared (Tamandua) and giant (Myrmecophaga) anteaters; but shows a reduced masseter musculatures, including the loss of the deep masseter.

Functional anatomy of the sternoglossus muscle of the tamandua tetradactyla (linnaeus, 1758)

The combined muscle characteristics demonstrate a specific aspect within the analyzed species and highlight the main function performed by the muscles to move the tongue out of the oral cavity.

Anatomy description of cervical region and hyoid apparatus in living giant anteaters Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758

The bone contours in the hyoid apparatus of the giant anteater is described by means of radiographic and tomographic images and the presence of air in the oropharynx enabled the assessment of soft tissue structures in this region, such as the epiglottis and the soft palate.

Comparative mitogenome phylogeography of two anteater genera (Tamandua and Myrmecophaga; Myrmecophagidae, Xenarthra): Evidence of discrepant evolutionary traits

It is considered that a unique species of Tamandua likely exists, i.e., T. tetradactyla and T. mexicana were not reciprocally monophyletic, and temporal mitochondrial diversification for Tam andua began during the Late Pliocene and Upper Pleistocene, but for Myrmecophaga began duringThe Late Miocene.

Retroposed elements and their flanking regions resolve the evolutionary history of xenarthran mammals (armadillos, anteaters, and sloths).

The presence/absence patterns of phylogenetically informative retroposed elements and other RGCs were investigated, and multiple evidence supports the grouping of Chaetophractus and Zaedyus as a sister group to Euphractus within Euphractinae, an association that was not previously demonstrated.

Gross anatomical adaptations of the craniolateral forearm muscles in Tamandua mexicana (Xenarthra: Myrmecophagidae): development of accessory muscles and rete mirabile for its arterial supply

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