Geographical variation in size in the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in western Europe and North Africa |
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Authors: | COLIN M SHARPLES JOHN E FA DIANA J BELL |
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Institution: | School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ;Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Les Augrès Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BF, Channel Islands |
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Abstract: | Craniometric data of nine characters from 260 skulls of Oryctolagus cuniculus from western Europe and northern Africa were gathered to examine phenotypic variation in size, using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Although animals from the northern part of Europe were found to be larger than those from southern Europe, variation in size occurred in a continuous cline. Skull size was positively correlated with latitude and negatively correlated with ambient temperature. On the basis of skull morphology, there is no evidence for separation of O. cuniculus into the two or more subspecies commonly described. Further data, particularly from genetic material, are required to clarify the taxonomic status of the rabbit in Europe. |
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Keywords: | craniometric variation taxonomy Bergmann's Rule multivariate analysis climatic influences |
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