Taxonomy and ecological morphology of the flying lemurs (Dermoptera, Cynocephalidae).
Item
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Title
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Taxonomy and ecological morphology of the flying lemurs (Dermoptera, Cynocephalidae).
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Identifier
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AAI9946222
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identifier
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9946222
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Creator
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Stafford, Brian John.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Frederick S. Szalay
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Date
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1999
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Anthropology, Physical | Biology, Zoology | Biology, Anatomy
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Abstract
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The craniodental functional morphology of the extant dermopterans ( Cynocephalus volans and Galeopterus variegatus) was studied to clarify the taxonomy and systematics of the group. Two taxa of generic rank were confirmed and functional hypotheses about the differences between the taxa are presented.;The postcranial morphology of the dermopterans was also evaluated in relation to other gliding mammals and their nongliding relatives, bats, and highly suspensory taxa. Characters common to dermopterans and other gliding mammals are evaluated in relation to aerodynamic theory. Other characters, common to dermopterans and suspensory taxa, are interpreted in relation to under-branch suspension.;The overall picture of dermopteran ecological and functional morphology is complex. Often dermopterans are similar to other gliding mammals. At the same time they are also often similar to bats, or to largely suspensory taxa like the sloths. Many dermopteran characters that have been interpreted as gliding adaptations, or as synapomorphies with bats, are also present in suspensory taxa. Many of the unique features that dermopterans and bats possess are currently coopted into the gliding or flight systems. However it seems likely that both bats and dermopterans have built their aerodynamic abilities upon a largely suspensory framework.;In general, dermopteran aerodynamics indicate an animal that can glide slower than comparable gliding mammals, and at shallower glide angles. It is also a picture of an animal that is more agile and maneuverable than comparable gliding mammals. This fits well with what has been proposed as a reasonable preflapping chiropteran.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
