Особенности мускулатуры задних конечностей Turnix nigricollis (Turnicidae, charadriiformes) с особым вниманием к раcширенной мускульной формуле гаррода

Abstract

Although the family Turnicidae is now placed within Charadriiformes, its real systematic affinities remain ambiguous. The more characters are used to analyze the systematic position of buttonquails, the more correct assumptions can be made on the subject. Morphological characters, especially those of hind limbs, are of particular importance. Filling the gap in the knowledge of hindlimb anatomy of buttonquails, we provide, for the first time ever, the Garrod’s musclular formula for the member of the family, Turnix nigricollis. The following formula ACDMM1NXYAm shows the difference between buttonquails and most of the charadriiforms by the absence in the former of m. iliofemoralis internus and m. popliteus. Treated earlier as members of Gruiformes, buttonquails lack m. plantaris, characteristic for this order. Further studies are necessary to reveal true affinities and adaptive evolution of Turnicidae.