Chondrocranial differences in Bufotes variabilis (Anura: Bufonidae): geometric morphometric comparison with two anuran species

Abstract

Few studies have focused on a detailed morphological description of the chondrocranium of bufonids. This study examinesBufotes variabilis , which is one of the widespread clades of neobatrachian anurans. We used geometric morphometrics to analyzevariations of the chondrocranial shape inB. variabilisand a comparison was made withRana macrocnemisandHyla orientalis . Resultsindicated thatB. variabilisis clearly different from the other species based on the presence of a bigger otic process, a more anteriorposition of the muscular process of the palatoquadrate, and a narrower articular process of the palatoquadrate.H. orientalisandR.macrocnemisare similar to each other by a wider articular process of the palatoquadrate, a more posterior position of the muscularprocess of the palatoquadrate, and a smaller and anterolateral position of the otic capsule.