Recent increase in body size of the American marten Martes americana in Alaska

摘要: Using museum specimens, we studied recent changes in skull size of the American marten Martes americana, continental Alaska. In Alaska, global warming has resulted milder winters that may contribute to an improved food supply wild. present study, tested hypothesis body had increased during second half 20th century, response warming. We found size, and by implication significantly possibly due and/or lower metabolic demands winter. Improved availability winter result from nutritional conditions for prey, access prey resulting a longer snow-free season. Longitude significant positive effect on negative teeth size. climate is along western coast becomes harsher inland. Hence, was associated with larger providing further support our prediction influenced reduced energy expenditure. The relationship between longitude indicate trend towards inland populations, but have no data or refute this hypothesis.