Unexpected microanatomical variation among Eocene Antarctic stem penguins (Aves: Sphenisciformes)

Abstract

The microanatomical and histological structure of Eocene Antarctic stem penguin tarsometatarsi is examined in order to characterise the bone microstructure. Eight adult tarsometatarsi belonging to eight fossil species (Palaeeudyptes gunnari, Palaeeudyptes klekowskii, Anthropornis grandis, Anthropornis nordenskjoeldi, Archaeospheniscus wimani, Marambiornis exilis, Delphinornis arctowskii and Delphinornis larseni) collected from the Antarctic A. nordenskjoeldi Biozone (La Meseta Formation, ∼34.2 Ma) were examined. The thin sections revealed a distinctive microanatomical variation among taxa. Whereas Anthropornis spp., A. wimani and P. gunnari possess massive, clearly osteosclerotic bones (medullary cavities absent or strongly reduced), the bones of Delphinornis spp., P. klekowski and M. exilis exhibit well-developed medullary cavities. The cortical bone in all the specimens consists of primary, well-vascularised fibro-lamellar bone and variable amounts of secondary bone. Medullary cavities are coated by a thick layer of lamellar bone tissue and coarse compacted cancellous bone. Although several causes can explain the striking microanatomical variation (e.g. ontogeny), we interpret that such variation is related to differential adaptations to the aquatic life, for which taxa with more massive bones were possibly adapted to deeper and more prolonged diving excursions.

Keywords::

• Aves
• Sphenisciformes
• microanatomy
• histology
• skeletal adaptations

Acknowledgements

We especially thank the Instituto Antártico Argentino and Fuerza Aérea Argentina which provided logistical support for our participation in the Antarctic fieldwork. We also thank Marcelo Reguero and Eduardo P. Tonni (MLP) for allowing access to the collection under their care. Anusuya Chinsamy (UCT) provided valuable information during the progress of this study. Piotr Jadwiszczak (UB) provided useful comments during the review of the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

Part of this study was funded by Instituto Antártico Argentino [grant number ANCYPT PICT 2007-0365], [grant number PICTO 2012-0093] and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET).