On necks, trunks, and tails: the extraordinary variability of salamanders’ vertebral columns

• Applicant: Dr. Marylene Danto
• Subject Area: Systematics and Morphology (Zoology)
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 570545100

The vertebral column provides structural support and stability to the body, protects the spinal cord, and disturbs mechanical forces. In lissamphibians in general, and salamanders in particular, developmental flexibility and phenotypic variation of the vertebral column are still poorly understood, which is striking, considering that vertebral morphology and development commonly played a central role in the discussion on their interrelationships as well as their controversial origin from Paleozoic and Mesozoic early tetrapods. The proposed research project aims towards the generation of new data to identify intraspecific variational properties of the vertebral column in salamanders and its relationship with development and life history strategies. I will explore how development – including plasticity, regeneration, and deformities – shapes vertebral flexibility and adaptability in salamanders. To assess the potential effects of life history strategies, the study will focus on different salamander populations that exhibit biphasic or triphasic life cycles, direct development, or remain neotenic.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants