Ecophenotypic variation and phylogenetic inheritance in first lower molar shape of extant Italian populations of Microtus (Terricola) savii (Rodentia) |
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| Authors: | PAOLO PIRAS FEDERICA MARCOLINI PASQUALE RAIA MARIATERESA CURCIO TASSOS KOTSAKIS |
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| Institution: | 1. Pierre et Marie Curie University, UMR CNRS 7179 4 Pl Jussieu, BC 19, Paris 75005, France;2. Center for Evolutionary Ecology, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo, 100146 Roma, Italy;3. Geological Science Department, Università Roma Tre, Largo San Leonardo Murialdo, 1, 00146, Roma, Italy;4. Earth Science Department, Università di Napoli Federico II, Largo San Marcellino 10, 80138, Napoli, Italy;5. Via Mura dei Francesi, 122/c, 00043, Ciampino (RM), Italy |
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| Abstract: | Seventeen extant populations of Microtus (Terricola) savii have been investigated for correlations of first lower molar shape to climatic variables by means of geometric morphometrics, and controlling for phylogenetic inheritance. Comparative methods revealed that climatic variables and phylogeography provide a very similar contribution to variation in first lower molars morphology, whereas tooth size does not appear to be affected by climatic conditions. Climate‐related changes have been recognized in the anteroconid portion of the tooth. This indicates that molar tooth variation is strongly influenced by climatic conditions, although in a complex way. Calabrian populations, often ascribed to Microtus (Terricola) brachycercus, form a distinct cluster, in agreement with the most recent genetic analyses. © 2010 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2010, 99 , 632–647. |
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| Keywords: | Arvicolidae bioclimatic correlation comparative methods geometric morphometrics tooth morphology |
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