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Date of Award
5-1-1986
Document Type
Restricted Thesis: Campus only access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Joseph C Mitchell
Abstract
The cartilage formation and subsequent ossification of the brown watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota is described in detail. Comparisons are made to the black rat snake, Elaphe obsoleta. The sequence of development corresponds closely to this species. Three morphological differences are noted, however. In Nerodia the the occipital arches fail to meet as in Elaphe, there appear to be two centers of ossification in the prefrontal bone, unlike the singular center found in Elaphe, and in Nerodia there is found a carotid fenestra rather than a carotid incisure. Additionally, there is no evidence of secondary cartilage formation in Neordia taxispilota.
Recommended Citation
Durgin, Mary V., "The cranial development of the brown water snake, Nerodia taxispilota" (1986). Honors Theses. 475.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/honors-theses/475