Prey and Diet - Related Differences in Craniodental Morphology and Jaw Mechanics Among Five Species of Canids

• Main Author: Gathof, Rebecca
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Exhibit 2023
• Subjects: Canis lupus; gray wolf
• Online Access: https://www.exhibit.xavier.edu/curca/2023/schedule/57

As members of the order carnivora, the majority of species in the dog family, Canidae, are predators. All predators rely on strong skulls, jaws, and teeth to kill and dismember their prey. Killing techniques, however, may differ depending on preferred prey. Consequently, differences among carnivoran species in killing and feeding behavior are evident in the morphology and biomechanics of their skulls and teeth. This study aims to compare several skull and mandibular features as well as aspects of jaw mechanics among five extant canid species, the gray wolf (Canis lupus), coyote (Canis latrans), Red fox (Vulpes Vulpes), Golden jackal (Canis aureus), and African hunting dog (Lyacon pictus), to determine if there exist mechanical loading differences in the skull and jaw based on size of prey and/or composition of diet consumed. Several indices that estimate loading patterns and size of jaw muscles were computed from 11 dry skull and jaw measurements taken on each species. Statistical analysis on the indices indicate that the African hunting dog (L.pictus) and gray wolf (C. lupus) have significantly larger masseter muscles and larger mechanical advantage for the same muscle for food items placed at the first and third lower molar compared to the other 3 species (golden jackal, coyote, and red fox). The African wild dog is an opportunistic predator that hunts a wide variety of prey including antelopes, warthogs, and wildebeest calves. The preferred prey for gray wolves incudes caribou, moose, deer and bison. These two predators frequently hunt and kill prey that are often larger than themselves compared to the other three species that display smaller jaw muscles and weaker bite forces consistent with their omnivorous diet comprised of mostly small mammals, insects, and a variety of plant material such as fruits and nuts.