The Tongue Structure in Scaly-Tailed Squirrels (Rodentia, Anomaluridae)

Abstract

Five of the seven modern species of the family Anomaluridae have been studied. Significant intergeneric differences in the structure of the tongue between Anomalurus and Idiurus have been identified. These differences affect even such taxonomically important features as the number of circumvallate papillae (three in Anomalurus and two in Idiurus) and the distribution pattern of fungiform papillae. A parallel interspecific variability has been observed within the genera. It manifests itself in a decrease in the total number of fungiform papillae. The tongue structure in Anomalurus corresponds to the generalized version, initial for the order, whereas in Idiurus, it has clear signs of morphological and functional specializations.