Morphological Variation in the Striped Field Mouse Across Three Countries.

ABSTRACT: We examined the morphological variation in the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) along south-north and west-east geographic gradients in Europe (Slovakia, Lithuania, and Estonia). Data collected over several decades (1980s-2020s) were analyzed, focusing on five traits: body mass, body length, tail length, hind foot length, and ear length, with GLM models assessing the influence of latitude, longitude, age, sex, and decade. Results revealed strong adherence to ecogeographic rules. Findings suggest that body size increased toward the north, following Bergmann's rule, which links larger size to better heat conservation in colder climates. Conversely, appendage sizes (e.g., tail, ear) decreased, aligning with Allen's rule to minimize heat loss. Longitudinal gradients revealed redu

SUBMITTER: Balciauskas L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11816264 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature