Cranial morphology of Martes foina and M. martes (Mammalia, Carnivora, Mustelidae): the role of size and shape in sexual dimorphism and interspecific differentiation

摘要: Abstract Landmark based morphometrics was used to investigate sexual dimorphism and interspecific differentiation in the mustelids Martes foina M. martes, which are typical size dimorphic species. Analyses were run on 192 specimens of 36 martes from central northern Italy, by recording 19 40 landmarks dorsal skull palate, respectively. Results indicate that both shape important components males females two The stone marten is larger, has a narrower postorbital constriction larger molars than females. These differences partial least square analysis variable stomach contents one sample suggest better adapted catch kill live prey, while seem prey upon easier‐to‐catch food. Shape features involved similar those variation, but spec...