Embryonic development and cranial ossification of the Japanese Aodaishō, Elaphe climacophora (Serpentes: Colubridae): with special reference to the prootic bone and auditory evolution in snakes

• Published in: Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007)
• Main Authors: Nojiri, Taro, Werneburg, Ingmar, Sakai, Atsushi, Furutera, Toshiko, Negishi-Koga, Takako, Ishijima, Muneaki, Ichimura, Koichiro, Takechi, Masaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 11.07.2024
• Subjects: snake; embryonic staging; heterochrony; prootic; cranial ossification

Snakes show remarkably deviated "body plan" from other squamate reptiles. In addition to limb loss, they have accomplished enormous anatomical specialization of the skull associated with the pit organs and the reduction of the tympanic membranes and auditory canals in the outer ears. Despi...