Crocodylians evolved scattered multi-sensory micro-organs.

• publication
• 04-07-2013

Di-Poï N, Milinkovitch MC. Evodevo 2013 ;4(1):19. 2041-9139-4-19. 10.1186/2041-9139-4-19. PMC3711810.

During their evolution towards a complete life cycle on land, stem reptiles developed both an impermeable multi-layered keratinized epidermis and skin appendages (scales) providing mechanical, thermal, and chemical protection. Previous studies have demonstrated that, despite the presence of a particularly armored skin, crocodylians have exquisite mechanosensory abilities thanks to the presence of small integumentary sensory organs (ISOs) distributed on postcranial and/or cranial scales.

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