Ecological and functional correlates of molar shape variation in European populations of Arvicola (Arvicolinae, Rodentia)

摘要: Abstract Lower first molar shape in Arvicola spp. at European level has been studied by means of Geometric Morphometrics. We took into account bioclimatic variables, size, lifestyle and phylogenetic relationships. used Partial Least Squares Phylogenetic Independent Contrasts order to assess which factor affects the most morphology. Once history was taken account, climate resulted influencing explaining morphology, followed size. Molar is not related lifestyle. even if different among species, are phylogenetically structured. On opposite, depends on phylogeny, size significantly considering Fossorial forms smaller than semi-aquatic ones, suggesting that they less subjected predator pressure species two lifestyles characterized allometric patterns.