Differentiation of skull morphology and cranial kinesis in common toads

Abstract We examined the cranial morphology and kinesis of common toads Bufo bufo B. spinosus with micro-computed tomography geometric morphometrics compared results published data for related species in a phylogenetic context. The significantly diverge skull shape. is shorter higher, ventral arm squamosal bone jaw articulation point positioned perpendicular to braincase, comparison more lateral position . In either species, females have snout higher wider at that posteriorly, conspecific males. High variation amount ossification was recorded both ranging from scarcely ossified loosely connected bones highly firmly bones. also found shape inferred kinetic properties are variable across Bufonini tribe. However, sample sizes mostly small intraspecific high, which might compromise analyses. Overall, suggest developmental plasticity produces high kinesis, affecting individuals’ feeding performances. At population level, this supports an efficient exploitation habitat may promote morphological adaptation changing environment.