NJIT Researchers Make a Major Cavefish Discovery in Thailand (IMAGE)

New Jersey Institute of Technology

NJIT Researchers Make a Major Cavefish Discovery in Thailand

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Speaking of the unique anatomical structures seen in the cavefish, Cryptotora thamicola, NJIT's Brooke Flammang says, "It possesses morphological features that have previously only been attributed to tetrapods. The pelvis and vertebral column of this fish allow it to support its body weight against gravity and provide large sites for muscle attachment for walking." With respect to evolutionary significance, she adds, "This research gives us insight into the plasticity of the fish body plan and the convergent morphological features that were seen in the evolution of tetrapods."

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NJIT

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