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A comparative study of thin structure of Tenrec spines (Mammalia, Tenrecidae)

Authors:
Olga Fedorovna Chernova at Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution
Olga Fedorovna Chernova
R.S. Hoffmann
R.S. Hoffmann
R.S. Hoffmann
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Abstract and Figures

The architectonics of tenrec (Tenrecidae) spines has a convergent similarity to that in porcupine (Erethizontidae) quills and also species specific. Like in Erethizontidae species, in tenrecs of the genus Hemicentetes using the tactics of active front defense, defensive spines of the trunk and crown fan are covered with an inverted cuticle, which serves as a particular harpoon. In Echinops and Setifer tenrecs using the tactics of passive defence (they can roll into a ball), spines of the trunk have no such cuticle. Spines of the stridulation organ in Hemicentetes are specialized to produce ultrasonic sounds due to rubbing against each other, and the spine structure reflects this peculiarity. The cuticle of trunk spines in Echinops telfairi is unique.
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... Present evidence indicates that in many species the cuticular patterns of the vibrissae has a simpler morphology than that of the guard hairs and spines. This can probably be explained by the multifunctional role of the cuticle in hairs and spines (protection of the rod and deterring of potential predators, participation in symbiotic interactions with other organisms, self-cleaning and distribution of lubricant oils along the rod, olfactory and acoustic signaling, storage of pollen, etc.) (Müller-Schwarze et al., 1977;Meyer et al., 1995;Chernova & Hoffmann 2004;Chernova & Tselikova 2004;Chernova 2000;2002;2006;2008;Tridico et al., 2023). In addition to the tactile function, the vibrissal cuticle participates only in protection, self-cleaning, and distribution of lubricants and, together with other compartments of the vibrissae, can also be involved in conducting tactile signals, as evidenced by scratches both at the tip and ventral side of the vibrissae. ...
Architecture of vibrissae in eight rodent species of Ctenohystrica (Rodentia): A comparative SEM study
Article
  • Sep 2023
  • ZOOL ANZ
Our study was conducted within the framework of comparative functional morphology of mammalian skin (Sokolov 1982) and "Trichomorphology" (Hausmann 1930; 1944; Teerink 1991) focusing in particular on specialized tactile organs such as whiskers (vibrissae). The architecture of vibrissae was studied for the first time using SEM in the relict rodent Laonastes aenigmamus and in some other representatives of the clade Ctenohystrica (Rodentia): Ctenodactylus gundi, Pectinator spekei, Proechimys guyannensis, Echimys sp., Trichomys apereoides, Chinchilla lanigera, and Octodon degus with the aim to identify the specific characters for each species. The vibrissal architecture is specific and polymorphic: the rod shape and structure of the medulla show differences between species of different genera and differ from those of guard hairs and spines of the same species. In L. aenigmamus, the vibrissal medulla is peculiar in its internal structure, which, together with the structure of guard hairs in this species, confirms its phylogenetically distinct position within Ctenohystrica. For the compared species, the complex medulla is with variously arranged systems of keratinized septa and different degrees of development of air spaces between them (ranging from unstructured and irregular to uni-or biserial ladder-like, cellated or pyramidal). The vibrissae have a non-specialized cuticle serving mostly for protection during tactile contacts, which distinguishes it from the diverse and multifunctional cuticle of guard hairs, spines, and quills. The tactile function of vibrissae is corroborated by the presence of scuff marks, scratches and even cuticle loss at the tip and on the ventral side of the rod, a thickened dense cortex and a poorly developed medullar layer but diverse its internal architecture, which provides only a very limited thermal protection, unlike that of the hair pelage. The SEM study of vibrissal architecture is a promising line of research, because a better knowledge of vibrissae may contribute to the biology and biomimetics.
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... Present evidence indicates that in many species the cuticular patterns of the vibrissae has a simpler morphology than that of the guard hairs and spines. This can probably be explained by the multifunctional role of the cuticle in hairs and spines (protection of the rod and deterring of potential predators, participation in symbiotic interactions with other organisms, self-cleaning and distribution of lubricant oils along the rod, olfactory and acoustic signaling, storage of pollen, etc.) (Müller-Schwarze et al., 1977;Meyer et al., 1995;Chernova & Hoffmann 2004;Chernova & Tselikova 2004;Chernova 2000;2002;2006;2008;Tridico et al., 2023). In addition to the tactile function, the vibrissal cuticle participates only in protection, self-cleaning, and distribution of lubricants and, together with other compartments of the vibrissae, can also be involved in conducting tactile signals, as evidenced by scratches both at the tip and ventral side of the vibrissae. ...
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... For example, in Acomys somalica, the scales branch from the spine shaft (funnel cuticle) and their free edges are bent outward, like flower petals, suggesting that these spines can be regarded as 'osmetrichia' e specialized hairs involved in the spread of the pheromone odor (Chernova 2000). The streaked tenrec Hemicentetes semispinosus G. Cuvier, 1798 (Tenrecidae), a representative of Afrosoricida, has long resilient spines forming a bundle on the top of the head (a protective "crown"), which are also covered by the inverted cuticle (Eisenberg and Gould, 1970;Nowak and Walker, 1999;Chernova & Hoffmann 2004). Like porcupines, streaked tenrecs use these detachable anterior spines for active protection (Zherebtsova 2000). ...
Hair microstructure in some rodent species of Diatomyidae, Ctenodactylidae, and Echimyidae (Ctenohystrica, Rodentia)
Article
  • Feb 2021
  • ZOOL ANZ
The pelage differentiation, microstructure and internal architecture of hair and their derivatives were studied for the first time at the level of scanning electron microscopy in the relict species Laonastes aenigmamus and in some other poorly studied representatives of the clade Ctenohystrica (Rodentia): Pectinator spekei, Ctenodactylus gundi, Proechimys guyannensis, Echimys sp., and Thrichomys apereoides. The data obtained are relevant for comparative taxonomic and morpho-functional analysis. Fur differentiation in the studied species is species-specific, but the microstructure of trunk hairs and its quantitative characteristics are mostly specific at the family level. Hair architectonics always shows a tendency toward increasing complexity and functional specialization at such special locations as the facial region, tail, and toes. Hair microstructure of Laonastes is highly unusual and is unknown in other Ctenohystrica and other rodents studied to date, which supports the notion that this species constitutes a phylogenetically distinct group. Microstructure of spines in Echimyidae is similar to that in Cricetidae and Muridae (Myomorpha), which suggests a certain similarity between early stages of formation of spines as protective structures in different evolutionary lineages of the Rodentia.
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Evaluation of husbandry and mortality in lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi)
Article
  • Jun 2017
Causes of morbidity and mortality for various species of tenrecs have not been widely published, aside from several reports of neoplasia, and these data are crucial for advancing objectives for preventive medicine, diagnosis, and treatment. A survey on husbandry, morbidity, and mortality of lesser hedgehog tenrecs (Echinops telfairi) in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions was conducted. Out of 32 institutions, 20 responded with data for 98 living and 93 dead animals. The most common causes of mortality among the dead animals were neoplasia (24%), hepatic lipidosis (11%), septicemia (8.6%), pneumonia (8.6%), cardiomyopathy (7.5%), renal disease (6.5%), osteomyelitis (3.2%), and trauma (3.2%). There was no statistically significant correlation between sex and neoplasia. Data about educational usage were specifically provided by survey respondents for 50 of the tenrecs, with only 42% being excluded from educational programming. Tenrecs are common to many AZA institutions as both educational and exhibit animals, and this study provides a helpful reference for expected health problems and highlights the need for future investments into medical diagnosis and treatment for these animals.
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Notes on The Biology of The Tenrecidae
Article
  • Nov 1966
  • J MAMMAL
Laboratory and field observations provide data on the life history and growth of Hemicentetes, Centetes, Echinops and Setifer. Comments on Geogale, Microgale (Nesogale) and Limnogale are also included. Similarities in courtship and agonistic behavior are noted. Some data on torpor indicate the irregularity of its occurrence, particularly in Hemicentetes semispinosus. A comparison of age at which the eyes open in four insectivore families indicates that tenrecs mature earliest, about 14 to 22 days in Talpidae, Soricidae and Erinaceidae, 7 to 13 days in Tenrecidae. Hemicentetes semispinosus and Echinops telfairi attain adult size at 6 to 8 weeks of age under laboratory conditions.
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Osmetrichia: specialized scent hair in black-tailed deer
Article
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Black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) possess a conspicuous tarsal hair tuft covering the tarsal gland which is located on the inside of the hock. The central hairs of that tuft carry a strong smelling mixture of sebaceous and urinary components. These central hairs are short and stiff in comparison to the outer hair of the tuft and the deer's other body hair. These “scent hairs” have large chambers between the cuticular scales, and the scales have comb-like group of ridges. Lipids, in which volatiles are trapped, are held on the hair by these two features. The term “osmetrichia” is proposed for the specialized scent hair. No comparable features were found on hair covering the metatarsal gland of black-tailed deer, the tarsal gland of white-tailed deer (O. virginianus borealis); the subauricular gland of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana); on scalp, axillary, and pubic hair of Homo sapiens; or the ventral gland hair of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). SEM pictures of the trough-like osmetrichia of the Mongolian gerbil are presented.
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Molecular structure and mechanical properties of keratins
Article
  • Feb 1980
  • Symp Soc Exp Biol
Keratinized epidermal appendages have mechanical properties which are typical of those expected for composite materials with a filament-matrix texture. At 100% relative humidity the matrix is highly hydrated, mechanically weak and exhibits viscoelastic behaviour. As the water content is reduced the matrix becomes progressively stiffer until at 0% relative humidity its properties approach those of the filaments. In the normally encountered range of relative humidities the advantages of such a texture are that stress is evenly distributed over the filaments, which constitute the load-bearing elements, thus preventing the propagation of cracks from local imperfections. Based on studies of synthetic filament-matrix composites potentialities for the adaptation of the mechanical properties to specific functions are to be found in variation of the properties of the filaments and the matrix and also of the cross-linking. Since keratin is a filament-matrix composite at the molecular level the great diversity of molecular species presumably has its origin in such adaptation. Superimposed on filament and matrix composition and properties are the variables of filament orientation and proportion and there is abundant evidence that many of the subtler properties of keratinized appendages stem from variations in these factors.
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