01158nas a2200145   4500008004100000245009000041210006900131300001200200490000800212520068700220653001600907653002000923100001500943856005400958       1985                        eng d00aMorphological Novelty in the Limb Skeleton Accompanies Miniaturization in Salamanders0 aMorphological Novelty in the Limb Skeleton Accompanies Miniaturi  a871-8740 v2293 aSalamanders of the genus Thorius (Plethodontidae) are among the smallest tetrapods. Hypotheses of limb skeletal evolution in these vertebrates were evaluated on the basis of estimates of natural variation, comparisons of skeletal homology and analysis of molecular phylogeny. Nine carpal arrangements occurs in Thorius, more than in all 12 related genera of typically larger salamanders; 6 of these arrangements are unique. They represent a trend toward a decrease in the number of separate cartilages that is independent of locomotor and ecological specialization. Miniaturization may be an important source of morphological novelty, distinct from local adaptation, in vertebrates.10adevelopment10aminiaturization1 aHanken, J.  uhttps://africanamphibians.myspecies.info/node/616