Regionalization, constraints, and the ancestral ossification patterns in the vertebral column of amniotes

Abstract

The development of the vertebral column has been studied extensively in modern amniotes, yet many aspects of its evolutionary history remain enigmatic. Here we expand the existing data on four major vertebral developmental patterns in amniotes based on exceptionally well-preserved specimens of the early Permian mesosaurid reptile Mesosaurus tenuidens: (i) centrum ossification, (ii) neural arch ossification, (iii) neural arch fusion, and (iv) neurocentral fusion. We retrace the evolutionary history of each pattern and reconstruct the ancestral condition in amniotes. Despite 300 million years of evolutionary history, vertebral development patterns show a surprisingly stability in amniotes since their common ancestor. We propose that this stability may be linked to conservatism in the constraints posed by underlying developmental processes across amniotes. We also point out that birds, mammals, and squamates each show specific trends deviating from the ancestral condition in amniotes, and that they remain rather unchanged within these lineages. The stability of their unique patterns demonstrates a certain homogeneity of vertebral developmental constraints within these lineages, which we suggest might be linked to their specific modes of regionalization. Our research provides a framework for the evolution of axial development in amniotes and a foundation for future studies.

First CT‐assisted study of the palate and postcrania of Diarthrognathus broomi (Cynodontia, Probainognathia)

“…The presence of an isolated neural spine in the posterior‐most lumbar region is also an indication that neurocentral fusion was not complete in NMQR 1535. The closure of the neurocentral sutures in the cervical and thoracic vertebrae while they are still open in the lumbar region suggests that the pattern of vertebral ossification in Diarthrognathus was closer to the mammalian condition (starting on both ends of the vertebral column and progressing inwards) than to the plesiomorphic condition for amniotes (starting with the caudals and progressing anteriorly, like a zipper) (Verrière et al, 2022). Noticeably, in Lumkuia , the only closed neurocentral sutures are located posteriorly on the vertebral column, which supports the interpretation that the plesiomorphic condition was present in early probainognathians (Benoit et al, 2022).…”

“…The pattern of fusion and ossification of the neurocentral sutures in the vertebral column is considered a derived trait of mammals (Verrière et al, 2022). The neurocentral sutures of the cervical vertebra are completely fused and the entire vertebra is fully ossified (Figure 5).…”