Extreme Variation in the Sagittal Crest of Tapirus polkensis (Mammalia Perissodactyla) at the Gray Fossil Site Northeastern TN.

<p>The preservation and quantity of fossil tapirs (<em>Tapirus polkensis</em>) from the Gray Fossil Site in northeastern Tennessee provides a unique opportunity for comparison and analysis of skeletal characters. Intraspecifically, modern tapirs show little to no variation in the morphology of the sagittal crest. However, several different morphologies exist within the sample at Gray. No osteological evidence of sexual dimorphism exists for tapirs, and no correlation between crest shape and sex was observed. Several juveniles display well defined crests, while some adults have only minor thickening of the temporal ridges; therefore, no distinct correlation between age and crest state could be established. Three different patterns of wear exist within the sample, but there is no correlation between these and crest morphology. No cranial pathologies were found to be associated with a crest type. Despite some correlations the sagittal crest could simply be a variable character due to intraspecific variation.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Abernethy, Aaron Randall

• Sexual Dimorphism
• Ontogeny
• Morphology
• Miocene
• Earth Sciences
• Paleobiology
• Paleontology
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1348

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2539