Abstract
Differences in the relative timing of homologous developmental events among closely related species, known as heterochronies, may provide valuable clues in understanding evolutionary relationships (McKinney, 1988; McNamara, 1995). Examining the timing of myogenic events is a relatively easy and effective method for finding heterochronic events. For example, whether muscle proteins and myofibrils appear before or after multinucleation can be determined through histological techniciques (Kielbowna, 1981). Simple observations of live specimens can pinpoint functional landmarks such as first twitch (spontaneous or due to external stimuli) and first heartbeat.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1999
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 1999 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles. This article first appeared in Journal of Herpetology 33, no. 2 (June 1999): 330-34. doi:10.2307/1565736.
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Recommended Citation
Smetanick, Matthew T., Rafael O. de Sá, and Gary P. Radice. "The Timing and Pattern of Myogenesis in Hymenochirus boettgeri." Journal of Herpetology 33, no. 2 (June 1999): 330-34. doi:10.2307/1565736.
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