Adaptations of the hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) to leaf-eating. Morphological characteristics and functional features of its bill and hyoid apparatus |
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Authors: | Korzoun Léonid P Erard Christian Gasc Jean-Pierre Dzerzhinsky Félix J |
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Affiliation: | Université d'Etat Lomonossov de Moscou, Vorobievi Gori 1199899, B-234 Moscou, Russie. |
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Abstract: | The hoatzin remains one of the most enigmatic birds. A morphofunctional analysis of its bill and hyoid apparatus throws new light on its feeding adaptation as well as on its systematic relationships. Bony and muscular skull, rhamphotheca, palate, and hyoid apparatus were described in details. Though keeping into the general organisation pattern found among Neognathae (except Galliformes), bill and hyoid apparatus of the hoatzin displays a series of species-specific features, some unique among birds. This species appears particularly well adapted to tear of leaves and process them inside the bill before ingestion. Because of very important anatomical and thence functional differences in bill and hyoid structure, any close relationship between the hoatzin and Galliformes cannot be envisioned. Such a hypothesis would implicate a counter-selective evolutionary reversion. |
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Keywords: | morphologie fonctionnelle bec appareil hyo??dien oiseaux hoazin adaptation à la folivorie functional morphology bill and hyoid apparatus birds hoatzin adaptation to folivory |
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