Bulletin of Pure & Applied Sciences- Zoology
Year : 2010, Volume : 29a, Issue : 1
First page : ( 67) Last page : ( 76)
Print ISSN : 0970-0765. Online ISSN : 2320-3188.

Comparative anatomical studies on the chondrocranium, osteocranium and ocular musculature of both Bubulcus ibis "Ciconiiformes " and Streptopelia roseogrisea "Columbiformes " with special reference to the mode of osteogenesis

AL-Mosaibih Mai A.¹, Riad Azza M.

¹Department of Biology, College of Scientific Sections, King Abdulaziz University, KSA. Email: dr.mai_almosaibih@hotmail.com

Online published on 22 February, 2013.

Abstract

This work is based on the microanatomical study which is considered the basis of comparative anatomy. This research depends upon comparative anatomical study of the development of the chondrocranium and osteocranium in embryos and nestling stages of the terrestrial bird Bubulcus ibis and the flying bird Streptopelia roseogrisea. The ocular muscles of both birds were examined, and comparative study was done to trace the changes in the ocular muscles to adapt with the surrounding environment. The most important results of this study were the affinities of the cartilaginous and bony structures of each of the studied birds. For example, the existence of a complete olfactory capsule in Streptopelia roseogrisea whereas a nasal septa represented as atrioturbinal and maxilloturbinal cartilage to increase the olfactory surface. After examination of the bones of each birds, the bones of Streptopelia roseogrisea has stronger connection that are not found in Bubulcus ibis. There is a clear adherence between the upper and the lower jaws in the viscerocranium of Streptopelia roseogrisea. This gives more hardness in the articulation, such conjunction is represented in the quadrate and Meckel`s cartilage in Streptopelia roseogrisea whereas there was not seen in any previously studied birds. It is noticed that, there is Huxley's foramen in the auditory capsule in Streptopelia roseogrisea which strengthens audition. Also, there is more protection for the eye of Streptopelia roseogrisea by sphenoid fontanella which is resulted from the extension of the supraorbital cartilage and its adherence with the postorbital cartilage. Also it is worth mentioning that the quadratus and pyramidalis muscles are smaller in size in Streptopelia roseogrisea than those of Bubulcus ibis birds. This proves that the sight in Streptopelia roseogrisea does not basically depend on the extension of the nictitating membrane but on pecten.

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Keywords

Bubulcus ibis, Streptopelia roseogrisea, Chondrocranium, Osteocranium, ocular musculature.

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