Shape Change and Variation in the Cranial Morphology of Wild Canids (Canis lupus, Canis latrans, Canis rufus) Compared to Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris) Using Geometric Morphometrics

摘要: Wild canid populations exhibit different anatomical morphologies compared to domesticated dogs in North America. This is particularly important concerning archaeological sites, which may contain early species, for the proper identification of osteological remains. Previous studies have indicated domestic a shorter rostrum accompanied by crowded tooth row; however, none describe overall complexity these changes. Consequently, using landmark-based geometric morphometric analysis, cranial morphological characteristics were examined American wild canids: gray wolf (Canis lupus), coyote latrans), red rufus), and dog familiaris). The shape size cranium lateral ventral views between three species group dogs. canids clustered separately from all statistical analyses. Results indicate an expansion orbital region, compression rostrum, warping orientation skull. In there also downward shift frontal portion skull braincase assuming more upward position. technique successfully depicted how slight changes isolated areas can impact on morphology We presume anatomy reflect recent selective pressures undergone since diverging their ancestors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.