Sexual dimorphism in cranial shape and size in geomyoid rodents: multivariate and evolutionary perspectives.

ABSTRACT: Geomyoid rodents provide a great study system for the analysis of sexual dimorphism. They are polygynic and many inhabit harsh arid environments thought to promote sexual dimorphism. In fact, there has been extensive work published on the sexual size dimorphism of individual populations and species within this rodent clade. However, little work has been undertaken to assess the evolutionary patterns and processes associated with this sexual dimorphism. We use multivariate analyses of cranial measurements in a phylogenetic framework to determine the distribution of size and shape dimorphism among geomyoids and test for Rensch's rule. Our results suggest that sexual dimorphism is more common in geomyids than heteromyids, but it is not in fact universal. There is evidence for variation in sex

SUBMITTER: Calede JJM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9450181 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature