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