Comparative Morphometrics of the Sacral Vertebra in <em>Aneides</em> (Caudata: Plethodontidae).

<p>The genus <em>Aneides</em> (Caudata: Plethodontidae) is an arboreal salamander with a prehensile tail and a distribution that spans North America. It is hypothesized that adaptations for arboreality will be visible in the osteology of the sacral vertebra either by qualitative analysis or linear and morphometric analysis in comparison with other plethodontid salamanders. This study demonstrates that while qualitative and quantitative analyses are successful at making genus-level distinctions between taxa, identification to lower taxonomic levels remains inconclusive. Linear morphometrics and dorsal Procrustes landmarks were the most successful metrics to identify known taxa. Two unidentified fossil salamander sacral vertebrae from Oregon Caves National Monument are examined with the same techniques and are tentatively identified as <em>Hydromantes</em> based on qualitative similarities to modern <em>Hydromantes</em> specimens, as the quantitative analyses were unable to confidently diagnose the unknown specimens.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Schaaf, Lisa Nicole

• geometric morphometrics
• comparative osteology
• Aneides
• Plethodontidae
• Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology
• Life Sciences
• Physiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1703

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3058