Biometric analysis of the cranial features of common vole s

Abstract

Although cranial bones reliably identify the features of mammals, these traits can be affected by sex, population size and seasonality. This paper biometrically analyses the cranial features of the common vole. The research sample consisted of adult (n = 134), subadult (n = 57), of western Slovakia. Overall, software based on the highlighted marks measured 29 cranial features. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed for three features in adult subjects (“WMTRR”, “AMdm” and “AMd”) and four features in subadults (“LOSD”, “WMTRR”, “LoM” and “ALLM”). Results showed a significant positive relationship between body weight and cranial size in 24 of the 29 features. They also suggested a weak but significant positive effect of cranium size on common vole abundance (Chitty effect) likewise in 24 of the 29 features. In several cases, this effect influenced also the abundance and age of the individuals.