Intraspecific and interspecific variability of the mandible in Lemuridae species with ecological factors

Started in october 2020

Supervisor: Sophie Montuire – cosupervisors: Sébastien Couette & Herimalala Raveloson

Funding: EPHE and The Rufford Foundation

Defense the 12 december 2024

Abstract

Malagasy Primates, particularly the Lemurids family, are endemic to Madagascar and are known for their remarkable morphological diversity. This thesis examines variation in mandible shape and its correlation with teeth, aspects often neglected in previous studies. The Fourier contour approach was used for this analysis, offering an innovative perspective compared to the more commonly employed Procrustean method. Morphometric analyses quantified the morphological variability of the mandible by integrating biotic and abiotic covariates and phylogenetic signals within all Lemuridae genera while examining coevolution between the mandible and teeth. In parallel, an eco-ethological study explored lemur feeding behaviors, activities, habitat preferences, and population density. Gender, diet, sexual behavior, ecoregion, and phylogenetic signal influence mandible variation. The study reveals complex interactions between the mandible and molar shape, underlining the importance of considering the coevolution of these structures to understand primate adaptation to their specific environment. It was observed that lemur’s activity varies with the season, with less variation in Propithecus coquereli, which prefers fruit and inhabits degraded areas. The population density of Eulemur fulvus, Propithecus coquereli, and Microcebus sp. was estimated to be low compared with that of the forests around Ambalakida. Combining the morphometric approach with ecological analysis offers a holistic view of the evolutionary processes influencing morphological diversity within lemurs.

Keywords

primates, molars, mandible, Lemuridae, geometric morphometrics, eco-ethology

extrait:

lien_externe:

titre:

Variabilité intra et interspécifique de la mandibule des espèces appartenant à la famille des Lémuridés en fonction des facteurs écologiques

date_de_debut_these:

octobre 2020

nom:

Miarisoa

date_de_debut_these_numerique:

202010

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kc_raw_content:

Intraspecific and interspecific variability of the mandible in Lemuridae species with ecological factors

Started in october 2020

Supervisor: Sophie Montuire - cosupervisors: Sébastien Couette & Herimalala Raveloson

Funding: EPHE and The Rufford Foundation

Defense the 12 december 2024

 

Abstract

Malagasy Primates, particularly the Lemurids family, are endemic to Madagascar and are known for their remarkable morphological diversity. This thesis examines variation in mandible shape and its correlation with teeth, aspects often neglected in previous studies. The Fourier contour approach was used for this analysis, offering an innovative perspective compared to the more commonly employed Procrustean method. Morphometric analyses quantified the morphological variability of the mandible by integrating biotic and abiotic covariates and phylogenetic signals within all Lemuridae genera while examining coevolution between the mandible and teeth. In parallel, an eco-ethological study explored lemur feeding behaviors, activities, habitat preferences, and population density. Gender, diet, sexual behavior, ecoregion, and phylogenetic signal influence mandible variation. The study reveals complex interactions between the mandible and molar shape, underlining the importance of considering the coevolution of these structures to understand primate adaptation to their specific environment. It was observed that lemur’s activity varies with the season, with less variation in Propithecus coquereli, which prefers fruit and inhabits degraded areas. The population density of Eulemur fulvus, Propithecus coquereli, and Microcebus sp. was estimated to be low compared with that of the forests around Ambalakida. Combining the morphometric approach with ecological analysis offers a holistic view of the evolutionary processes influencing morphological diversity within lemurs.

 

Keywords

primates, molars, mandible, Lemuridae, geometric morphometrics, eco-ethology