A morphological comparison of muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus ) from Newfoundland and New Brunswick

Adult muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) from Newfoundland (N = 44) and New Brunswick (N = 21) were measured and data obtained were analyzed using multivariate techniques. On the basis of skull measurements it was possible to accurately predict (P < 0.01) the site of origin of individual animals....

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian Journal of Zoology
Main Authors: Rigby, Michael D., Threlfall, William
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1982
Subjects:
Animal Science and Zoology
Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Newfoundland
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z82-287
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z82-287
Description
Summary:Adult muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) from Newfoundland (N = 44) and New Brunswick (N = 21) were measured and data obtained were analyzed using multivariate techniques. On the basis of skull measurements it was possible to accurately predict (P < 0.01) the site of origin of individual animals. Size differences were related to the availability of preferred foodstuffs. Ondatra zibethicus obscurus is considered a valid taxon for the Newfoundland muskrat.

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