A comparison between woodland and tundra forms of the common shrew ( Sorex cinereus )
Cranial measurements, dentition, tail length, and color pattern of woodland and tundra forms of Sorex cinereus were compared to elucidate their systematic relationship. The structure of the glans penis was compared in a small number of specimens that represented the two forms. The tundra forms, incl...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
|---|---|
| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1976
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z76-109 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z76-109 |
| Summary: | Cranial measurements, dentition, tail length, and color pattern of woodland and tundra forms of Sorex cinereus were compared to elucidate their systematic relationship. The structure of the glans penis was compared in a small number of specimens that represented the two forms. The tundra forms, including S. c. ugyunak from the North American mainland and S. pribilofensis and S. jacksoni from islands in the Bering Sea, are closely related forms within the cinereus group; they are distinct from the woodland forms in cranial as well as external characters. Skulls from neighboring populations of S. c. ugyunak and S. c. cinereus from the Mackenzie Delta could be separated using four characters. The probability of incorrectly identifying a skull using these characters was low (P = 0.0025). The prairie form S. c. haydeni also differed from the woodland forms and resembled the tundra forms in a number of characters. S. c. hollisteri resembled the woodland forms. Further study is needed to settle the taxonomic status of the forms compared. |
|---|