Pattern and pace of morphological change due to variable human impact: the case of Japanese macaques.

ABSTRACT: Human impact influences morphological variation in animals, as documented in many captive and domestic animal populations. However, there are different levels of human impact, and their influence on the pattern and rate of morphological variation remains unclear. This study contributes to the ongoing debate via the examination of cranial and mandibular shape and size variation and pace of change in Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). This species is ideal for tackling such questions because different wild, wild-provisioned, and captive populations have been monitored and collected over seven decades. Linear measurements were taken on 70 skulls from five populations, grouped into three 'human impact groups' (wild, wild-provisioned, and captive). This made it possible to investigate the patt

SUBMITTER: Geiger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8526449 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature