Chondrocranial differences in Bufotes variabilis (Anura: Bufonidae): Geometric morphometric comparison with two anuran species

Abstract

Few studies have focused on a detailed morphological description of the chondrocranium of bufonids. This study examines Bufotes variabilis, which is one of the widespread clades of neobatrachian anurans. We used geometric morphometrics to analyze variations of the chondrocranial shape in B. variabilis and a comparison was made with Rana macrocnemis and Hyla orientalis. Results indicated that B. variabilis is clearly different from the other species based on the presence of a bigger otic process, a more anterior position of the muscular process of the palatoquadrate, and a narrower articular process of the palatoquadrate. H. orientalis and R. macrocnemis are similar to each other by a wider articular process of the palatoquadrate, a more posterior position of the muscular process of the palatoquadrate, and a smaller and anterolateral position of the otic capsule.