Convergent development of the subcutaneous muscles in moles and golden moles
Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences
199034 St.Petersburg, Universitetskaya nab., 1
e-mail: gambarpp@PG15104.yandex.ru
The goal of the investigation was to clarify the ways of subcutaneous muscles development in burrowing forms of insectivores - moles (Talpidae) and golden moles (Chrysochloridae). To achieve the goal the comparative morphofunctional analysis of subcutaneous and facial musculature of six mole genera (Neurotrichus, Urotrichus, Talpa, Mogera, Scalopus, Parascalops), two genera of chrysochlorids (Chrysochloris, Eremitalpa), and some other non-specialized forms of insectivorous mammals from Erinaceidae, Tenrecidae, Soricidae and Solenodontidae was carried out. It was shown that some of m. cutaneus trunci derivatives interact intimately with facial musculature. Besides, subcutaneous muscle forms additional layers that facilitate the operation of shaking ground particles off the fir, which is rather important for burrowers. Overall complication of subcutaneous musculature in moles and chrysochlorids is accompanied by convergent similarity in the development of some musculature portions. At the same time some layers of m. cutaneus trunci seem to have evolved in different, special ways.
