Regularity in irregular echinoids

Using the mathematical concept of eutactic star, we prove that it is possible to define a morphospace for irregular echinoids by using a single parameter. In particular, we have found an extraordinary geometric property in the flower-like patterns of the five ambulacral petals of these animals. This...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Aragon, JL, Dominguez, P, Gil, D, Villavicencio, M
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2002
País:México
Institución:Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Repositorio:Sistema de Información de la Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.fciencias.unam.mx:11154/2523
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/11154/2523
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Biology
Mathematical & Computational Biology
pentamerism
irregular echinoids
ambulacral petals
morphospace
eutactic stars
Descripción
Sumario:Using the mathematical concept of eutactic star, we prove that it is possible to define a morphospace for irregular echinoids by using a single parameter. In particular, we have found an extraordinary geometric property in the flower-like patterns of the five ambulacral petals of these animals. This property is fulfilled with great accuracy for a large collection of fossil specimens and provides new insights in the study of the viable skeletal designs of extinct and/or living organisms.