Of Necks, Trunks and Tails: Axial Skeletal Diversity among Vertebrates

The axial skeleton of all vertebrates is composed individual units known as vertebrae. Each vertebra has anatomical attributes, yet they can be classified in five different groups, namely cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal, according to shared characteristics their association with specific body areas. Variations vertebral number, size, morphological features distribution amongst the regions column are a major source diversity observed among vertebrates. In this review I will discuss impact those variations on anatomy vertebrate species provide insights into genetic origin some remarkable traits that often serve classify phylogenetic branches or species, like long trunks snakes necks giraffes.