Predictive equations for the estimation of body size in seals and sea lions (Carnivora: Pinnipedia).

摘要: Body size plays an important role in pinniped ecology and life history. However, body data is often absent for historical, archaeological, fossil specimens. To estimate the of pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses) today past, we used 14 commonly preserved cranial measurements to develop sets single variable multivariate predictive equations mass total length. Principal components analysis (PCA) was test whether separate family specific regressions were more appropriate than Pinnipedia. The influence phylogeny tested with phylogenetic independent contrasts (PIC). accuracy these then assessed using a combination coefficient determination, percent prediction error, standard error estimation. Three different methods examined: bidirectional stepwise model selection Akaike information criteria; all-subsets Bayesian criteria (BIC); partial least squares regression. PCA showed clear discrimination between Otariidae (fur seals lions) Phocidae (earless seals) measurements, indicating need family-specific regression equations. PIC found that had minor on relationship morphological variables size. length accurate those mass, Phocidae. Of three methods, approach required fewest number accurately. We two recently extinct taxa, Caribbean monk seal (Monachus tropicalis) Japanese lion (Zalophus japonicus). estimates generally under or over-estimated size; however, all-subset produced close historically recorded species. This indicates developed this study can