Evolutionary morphology of the extremely specialized feeding apparatus in seahorses and pipefishes (Syngnathidae)
Leysen, H. (2011). Evolutionary morphology of the extremely specialized feeding apparatus in seahorses and pipefishes (Syngnathidae). PhD Thesis. Universiteit Gent: Gent. 2 volumes pp.
This PhD thesis deals with the evolution of the specialized head morphology in Syngnathidae, a family among the bony fishes that comprises pipefishes, seahorses, seadragons and pipehorses. A detailed morphological description of the feeding apparatus of several syngnathid representatives forms the core of this research. Besides that, other aspects like morphological variation within the family, performance of the trophic system and mechanical loading during prey intake are thoroughly studied. The following summary provides a clear overview of the main results and conclusions of each chapter and presents answers to the research questions as formulated in chapter 1.3.2.
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