Preliminary Analysis of Geographic Variation in Red-Tailed Chipmunks (Eutamias ruficaudus)

摘要: Geographic variation of red-tailed chipmunks ( Eutamias ruficaudus ) in the northwestern United States was studied to determine nature bacular variation. Bacular differences between eastern E. r. and western simulans forms had suggested they might be distinct species. Chipmunks from area where two nominal subspecies are supposedly apposed, near border Idaho Montana, prove typical . However, specimens Washington exhibit bacula that differ significantly form seven eight characters studied. Discriminant function analysis unambiguously separated morphs. In another analysis, using Montana identify “unknowns” Idaho, each specimen could allocated with confidence one or other reference sample. Variation cranial morphology parallels variation, but is less diagnostic. Our results corroborate view may species repeat patterns character uncovered earlier studies this complex.