The valvular intestine in fishes and a reassessment of the formation of the spiral coprolites
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Issue Date
1984-05-31Author
McAllister, James A.
Publisher
University of Kansas
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
M.A.
Discipline
Systematics and Ecology
Rights
This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.
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Show full item recordAbstract
Living vertebrates with valvular intestines include agnathans, chondrichthyans, actinopterygians, dipnoans, and the actinistians. Fossils which have valvular intestines preserved, are included in the placoderms, chondrichthyans, possibly the acanthodians, and the actinopterygians. The most common intestine is Type D, found in all groups (except the agnathans), and is considered as the primitive condition. The actinopterygians progressively reduce the valvular intestine until it is lost.The Type D valvular intestine in Scyliorhinus canicula is demonstrated to produce spirally coiled fecal masses. The fecal masses are similar in morphology to heteropolar coprolites, previously described as "enterospirae" (fossilized valvular intestines). The "enterospirae" are reinterpreted as true coprolites.
Description
M.A. University of Kansas, Systematics and Ecology 1984
Collections
- Theses [3976]
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