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2005-09-05 15:07:46 | Hit : 24926 | Vote : 9072

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[자료] Skull and tooth morphology of Finnish and Japanese raccoon dogs

Ann. Zool. Fennici 35: 1–16

Skull and tooth morphology of Finnish and Japanese raccoon dogs

Kauhala, K., Viranta, S., Kishimoto, M., Helle, E. & Obara, I. 1998

The skull and tooth morphometrics of Finnish and Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis and N. p. viverrinus, respectively) were examined and compared. The skulls of Finnish raccoon dogs were larger overall than those of Japanese raccoon dogs (tanukis) and were also larger relative to occipital condyle breadth, i.e. body size. Almost all measurements differed among samples in relation to skull size, indicating differences in skull shape. Mandible width and jaw height were the best measurements for discriminating among populations; the mandible is both absolutely and relatively more robust and the jaws more powerful among Finnish than among Japanese raccoon dogs. Japanese raccoon dogs have a relatively longer rostrum and longer tooth rows than Finnish raccoon dogs. Although the absolute measurements of most teeth of Finnish raccoon dogs were larger than those of Japanese raccoon dogs, the relative measurements of molars in particular were larger in Japan than in Finland, indicating a larger grinding surface among Japanese raccoon dogs. We suggest that viverrinus has adapted to a milder climate and less carnivorous diet than ussuriensis. The Japanese raccoon dog is smaller and, due to its less carnivorous diet, its head has become decreased in size and the jaws less powerful; however, since its diet consists largely of invertebrates and coarse plant material, its molars have increased relative to skull size.

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