Differences in shape and size of skull and mandible in Talpa species (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla) from Turkey

Selcuk A. Y., KAYA A., KEFELİOĞLU H.

ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST, vol.65, no.1, pp.20-27, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 65 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09397140.2018.1552304
  • Journal Name: ZOOLOGY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.20-27
  • Keywords: Geometric morphometry, morphological distinction, shape variation, Turkey, MOLES INSECTIVORA, EVOLUTION, DIVERGENCE, EUROPAEA, TALPIDAE, ROMANA
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

We analysed with landmark-based images morphological differences between four species of Talpa which resemble each other morphologically and are all highly adapted to underground life. Subtle shape differences of the skull and mandibular bones were found between all species. However, there is also broad overlap between all species. Talpa caucasica had the largest skull and mandibles, and Talpa levantis the smallest.