A Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Acetabular Anatomy of the Pteropodidae and Phyllostomidae Families of Bats in Relation to Locomotion

Additional Authors

Aaron Hardgrave, Department of Biological Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Abstract

As the only mammals that rely on true flight, research on flight mechanics has dominated the field of bat biomechanics. Yet, non-flight locomotion plays an extremely important role in the vital behaviors of bats. Taxonomical classification of bats is divided into the two suborders of Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera. Kinematically, it has been established that Yinpterochiroptera members have more efficient arboreal locomotion while Yangochiroptera members have more efficient terrestrial locomotion. However, the functional anatomy has not been investigated. Therefore, this study examined the acetabulum structure of members of the Pteropodidae and Phyllostomidae families, classified within the two suborders respectively, to discover if anatomical variations exist. If such variations are confirmed, then compelling evidence of separate ancestral lineages between the two families exists. Using bat specimen scans from a micro-CT scanner as templates, three-dimensional models of the acetabula, called Meshes, were created with the ORS DragonFly image processing software. Furthermore, lower quality Meshes were imported into another software platform called Ansys Space Claim 2022 for smoothing. Utilizing Slicer 5.0.3 programming, anatomical landmarks were placed along the top and bottom rims of the acetabulum Meshes at equidistant points. A Generalized Procrustes Analysis of these landmarks provided raw, statistical data. Lastly, a Principal Component Analysis was performed in tandem with ANOVA testing to determine any statistical differences in dimensions among the acetabula from each bat specimen, with respect to their family classification. Based upon current knowledge, the expectation is statistically different acetabular structure producing the known discrepancy in locomotive strengths. The presence of variation or lack thereof will provide important evolutionary insight.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 2:30 PM

Room Number

219

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

UG Orals

Presentation Category

Health and STEM

Faculty Mentor

Richard Carter

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 2:30 PM

A Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Acetabular Anatomy of the Pteropodidae and Phyllostomidae Families of Bats in Relation to Locomotion

219

As the only mammals that rely on true flight, research on flight mechanics has dominated the field of bat biomechanics. Yet, non-flight locomotion plays an extremely important role in the vital behaviors of bats. Taxonomical classification of bats is divided into the two suborders of Yinpterochiroptera and Yangochiroptera. Kinematically, it has been established that Yinpterochiroptera members have more efficient arboreal locomotion while Yangochiroptera members have more efficient terrestrial locomotion. However, the functional anatomy has not been investigated. Therefore, this study examined the acetabulum structure of members of the Pteropodidae and Phyllostomidae families, classified within the two suborders respectively, to discover if anatomical variations exist. If such variations are confirmed, then compelling evidence of separate ancestral lineages between the two families exists. Using bat specimen scans from a micro-CT scanner as templates, three-dimensional models of the acetabula, called Meshes, were created with the ORS DragonFly image processing software. Furthermore, lower quality Meshes were imported into another software platform called Ansys Space Claim 2022 for smoothing. Utilizing Slicer 5.0.3 programming, anatomical landmarks were placed along the top and bottom rims of the acetabulum Meshes at equidistant points. A Generalized Procrustes Analysis of these landmarks provided raw, statistical data. Lastly, a Principal Component Analysis was performed in tandem with ANOVA testing to determine any statistical differences in dimensions among the acetabula from each bat specimen, with respect to their family classification. Based upon current knowledge, the expectation is statistically different acetabular structure producing the known discrepancy in locomotive strengths. The presence of variation or lack thereof will provide important evolutionary insight.