Morfologia do aparelho copulador de aves tinamidae (aves tinamiformes) com implicações sistemáticas

Abstract

The order Tinamiformes is among the basal taxa of living birds, but its origin and phylogenetic relationships with other orders of birds and the relationships between species of the order are controversial. The most accepted hypothesis considers them to be close to Ratites. Most birds do not have a morphologically differentiated copulatory organ, so sperm transfer is done by direct apposition of the female and male cloacae. Some groups, such as Galliformes, Anseriformes, Tinamiformes, Ratites and Podicipediformes, have a true copulatory organ, erectile and of varied morphology. The objective is that through the detailed study of the copulatory organs of Tinamiformes, their morphological aspect and erection mechanism, we can identify additional characters for the phylogenetic analyses of birds within the amniotes, contributing to the elucidation of the evolution of the copulatory organ in Tinamidae with its closest group and also with ratites. Anatomical and histological preparations obtained from males of the following tinamidae were analyzed:Nothura maculosa(six specimens),Crypturellus obsoletus(eight specimens),Tinamus solitarius(three specimens) andRynchotusrufescens(four specimens),Crypturellus tataupa(three specimens) andCrypturellus parvirostris(three specimens) that after death in breeding centers were donated to Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução (Reproduction Biology Laboratory) of the Morphology Department, of Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (Biological Sciences Institute) of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Slides of seven specimens of Crypturellus parvirostrisfrom the collection of the laboratory (Laboratório de Biologia da Reprodução). This article has the purpose of describing the phallus and cloaca of Crypturellus parvirostris in detail.And it also has the purpose of identifying and describing the main morphlogical features of the phallus in tinamidae, as well as determining its probable mechanism of erection and identifying characters that may be used for the phylogenetic analysis of birds within Amniota, thus improving the understanding of the evolution of the copulatory organ ofTinamidaeand in its closest group. Fifteen phallic morphological characters, with a potential phylogenetic significance. Using the topology resulting from the most recent phylogenies available in the literature, these characters were mapped for the taxa studied and other representatives of theTinamidae family, Ratitae, one Cracidae(Ortalis Canicollis),and oneAnseriforme(Cairina moschata).And C.yacare(Crocodilian) andscripta(Testudines) were used as an external group. Tinamiform birds are an important component of the avifauna of the Americas, with unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in diverse habitats. The evolution of their copulatory apparatus reflects a complex interaction between ecological, behavioral, and phylogenetic factors. Understanding their physiology and reproductive behavior is essential to ensure the survival of these fascinating birds in the ecosystems where they inhabit. The study and preservation of Tinamiformes contributes to global biodiversity and the health of natural environments.