Changes in the fluctuating asymmetry in the humerus of the Mediterranean yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) (Laridae: Charadriiformes)

Authors

  • Pere M. Parés-Casanova Institució Catalana d'Història Natural
    Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.18028

Keywords:

development instability, generalized Procrustes analysis, geometric morphometrics, shape

Abstract

In this research, the authors applied geometric morphometric techniques to assess possible bilateral asymmetries in humeri of 16 yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), based on radiographic ventro-dorsal projections. The sampled reflected fluctuating asymmetry (FA), both in size and shape, but no directional asymmetry (DA) neither antisymmetry. Humeral proximal elements showed the showed a greater amount of asymmetry, which suggests that mechanical load is greater in these areas and are therefore biomechanical factors rather than environmental stress are responsible for detected asymmetry. DA was not significative, which would support the hypothesis that compressive forces of the arm are not different on both sides. FA changed with size, which would also suggest that it develops during endochondral bone growth.

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Published

2026-01-30

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How to Cite

Parés-Casanova, P. M. (2026). Changes in the fluctuating asymmetry in the humerus of the Mediterranean yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) (Laridae: Charadriiformes). Encuentros En La Biología, 17(193), 6-10. https://doi.org/10.24310/enbio.17.193.2025.18028