A new hero emerges: another exceptional mammalian spine and its potential adaptive significance

Abstract

The hero shrew's (Scutisorex somereni) massive interlocking lumbar vertebrae represent the most extreme modification of the vertebral column known in mammals. No intermediate form of this remarkable morphology is known, nor is there any convincing theory to explain its functional significance. We document a new species in the heretofore monotypic genus Scutisorex; the new species possesses cranial and vertebral features representing intermediate character states between S. somereni and other shrews. Phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences support a sister relationship between the new species and S. somereni. While the function of the unusual spine in Scutisorex is unknown, it gives these small animals incredible vertebral strength. Based on field observations, we hypothesize that the unique vertebral column is an adaptation allowing these shrews to lever heavy or compressive objects to access concentrated food resources inaccessible to other animals.

A Cretaceous eutriconodont and integument evolution in early mammals

“…Scutisorex is unique among mammals by its massive interlocking lumbar vertebrae, which provide an extraordinary vertebral strength. It has been hypothesized that Scutisorex uses this vertebral strength to force open the base of palm leaves to search for insects or larvae in swampy forests 50 . A similar lifestyle, supported by the strong arms and hands, is hypothesized here for Spinolestes, which lived in the vegetated Las Hoyas wetland environment.…”

Marvel and DC Characters Inspired by Arachnids

“…Recently, animal species have been named after pop culture icons, such as artists (Dumas et al 2013), athletes (Santos and Nessimian 2009) and fictional characters. Of the latter, interesting examples include a leafhopper (insect) named after Batman (Rodrigues et al 2012) and a shrew (mammal) named after the god Thor (Stanley et al 2013).…”

Genetic identity of the critically endangered Wimmer's shrewCrocidura wimmeri

“…Consequently, genetic investigations have often revealed systematic inconsistencies, as well as many cryptic species (Vogel, Cosson & Lopez Jurado, 2003;Dubey et al, 2006Dubey et al, , 2007aYannic et al, 2012;Jacquet et al, 2013;Stanley et al, 2013). Consequently, genetic investigations have often revealed systematic inconsistencies, as well as many cryptic species (Vogel, Cosson & Lopez Jurado, 2003;Dubey et al, 2006Dubey et al, , 2007aYannic et al, 2012;Jacquet et al, 2013;Stanley et al, 2013).…”

“…Correct assignment of shrew species can be problematic because such organisms are often morphologically and karyologically similar and hence lack synapomorphic characters. Consequently, genetic investigations have often revealed systematic inconsistencies, as well as many cryptic species (Vogel, Cosson & Lopez Jurado, 2003;Dubey et al, 2006Dubey et al, , 2007aYannic et al, 2012;Jacquet et al, 2013;Stanley et al, 2013). For example, in the genus Crocidura, the shrews from Sicily (Crocidura sicula) and Canary Islands (Crocidura canariensis) were considered as conspecific by Sarà (1995Sarà ( , 1996 as a result of the identity of their karyotype (Hutterer, Lopez-Jurado & Vogel, 1987;Vogel, 1988), whereas molecular dating revealed that these two taxa split 5 Mya [cytochrome b gene (Cytb) genetic distance: 14%; Vogel et al, 2003;Dubey et al, 2008a].…”