Geographic variation in the skull morphology of the lesser grison (Galictis cuja: Carnivora, Mustelidae) from two Brazilian ecoregions.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is one of the least known carnivores in the Neotropical region. Its wide geographical occurrence and range of habitats could lead to morphological variations along its distribution. So, this study aimed to investigate the variation in skull shape and size of this species, by testing the existence of ecotypes adapted to their respective environments (Uruguayan savanna and Atlantic Forest), as well as its relationship with selected abiotic variables.

Methods

The skulls of 52 museum specimens were photographed in the ventral, dorsal, and lateral views, and were analyzed using geometric morphometric techniques.

Results

We found sexual size dimorphism, with males being larger than females. The shape variation between sexe

SUBMITTER: Migliorini RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7648447 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature