Anatomia óssea e muscular e aspectos adaptativos do membro pelvino de Tapirus terrestris (perissodactyla, taperidae)

Abstract

The specie Tapirus terrestris, or Brazilian tapir, is a mammal of the order Perissodactyla, which there are few studies related to its adaptive characteristics . The study aimed to analyze the adaptive characteristics of the thigh , leg and foot of Tapirus terrestris . We used five copies of T. terrestris (Linnaeus , 1978), fixed in 10% formaldehyde . For the osteological analysis specimens were radiographed and bones were macerated, identified and analyzed . For the muscular analysis, muscles were dissected according to the usual techniques in gross anatomy , identified and analyzed . The tapir is a cursorial because of its developed calcaneus with three-digit located in the hind limb, which makes it easier to be accelerated or stopped. The tapirs feet have been adapted to perform movements in a closed place. It has a specific character of locomotion and reduced mass in members. The tapirs locomotor system presents morphological characteristics for cursorial locomotion adapted to forest environments that can be adaptive characters , and should be considered variations or responses to the environment.