Enhanced elbow mobility in insular Meles populations: Insights from myological and osteological comparisons
Dangerfield, Emma (University of Tsukuba)
Shimoda, Mao (University of Tsukuba)
Cho, Sujoo (Seoul National University)
Kimura, Yuri (Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont)

Date:	2026
Abstract:	Island colonization can drive anatomical adaptations in mammals, yet few studies have examined how such changes occur in limb musculature and osteology. Here, we investigate the brachial and antebrachial anatomy of Meles badgers to understand functional adaptations associated with insular environments. We conducted detailed myological dissections of the Japanese badger (Meles anakuma) and its continental relative (M. leucurus) and compared osteological features with another continental-insular pair: M. meles from mainland Europe and M. canescens from Crete. Our results reveal several previously undescribed features, including m. tensor fasciae antebrachii situated superficially to m. triceps brachii caput mediale, no bony insertion observed for m. flexor digitorum superficialis, and a distal shift in the main belly of m. coracobrachialis, indicating potential taxon-specific patterns. While humerus length did not differ considerably between M. anakuma and M. leucurus, insular populations of both M. anakuma and M. canescens exhibit shared osteological traits, such as a smaller projection of the humeral trochlea and enlargement of the cranial aspect of the ulnar olecranon, which likely enhance forelimb mobility rather than maximize digging force. These results may indicate that insular Meles have evolved increased elbow joint flexibility, potentially as an adaptation for locomotor versatility in more structurally complex or variable island habitats. Our findings establish Meles as a valuable model for studying evolutionary responses to island environments in semifossorial mesocarnivores.
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Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Anatomy ; Forelimb ; Meles ; Morphology ; Locomotion
Published in:	Journal of Mammaliam Evolution, Vol. 33, Num. 2 (May 2026) , art. 15

DOI: 10.1007/s10914-025-09796-x

Available from: 2027-05-31 Postprint 43 p, 2.1 MB

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Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Experimental sciences > Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont (ICP)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles