CLASSES DE DESENVOLVIMENTO EM MARSUPIAIS: UM MÉTODO PARA ANIMAIS VIVOS

摘要: Dental and developmental classes in marsupials: a method of analysis for live animals the field. Age class classification is use demographic population studies. Instead using empirically based on size, weight or teeth eruption, we propose to assign ontogenetic phases. The species from Family Didelphidae can be separated into four relevant phases: pouch young (class I), non-reproductive II), reproductive sub-adults III) adults IV). Ecological differences diet, behavior, locomotion survival occur these stages. In this study, simple easy-applicable animals, indicated by state last functioning upper molar each individual. Class I are young, being unimportant. II individuals with first (M1) second (M2) functional molar. III third (M3) fourth stays that complete dentition (M). We tested sample 281 wild females Didelphis aurita, Marmosops incanus, Metachirus nudicaudatus, Philander frenatus, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Micoureus travassosi Caluromys philander. were captured mark-recapture program conducted municipality Guapimirim – Rio de Janeiro State Brazil, at an Atlantic Forest continuous area, inside limits Serra dos Orgaos National Park. Only could assigned phases, breeding season. Males not considered, as they do show trustworthy visual signs. had efficiency 94.6% all species. Being species-specific makes robust. It used age structure Neotropical marsupials, male included, since captivity studies showed have same phase.