CRANIAL FORM AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE IRISH OTTER LUTRA-LUTRA L

Authors
LYNCH JM OSULLIVAN WM
Citation
Jm. Lynch et Wm. Osullivan, CRANIAL FORM AND SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE IRISH OTTER LUTRA-LUTRA L, Biology and environment, 93B(2), 1993, pp. 97-105
Citations number
60
Categorie Soggetti
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Journal title
Biology and environment → ACNP
ISSN journal
07917945
Volume
93B
Issue
2
Year of publication
1993
Pages
97 - 105
Database
ISI
SICI code
0791-7945(1993)93B:2<97:CFASDI>2.0.ZU;2-L
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism in cranial size and shape was examined in a sample o f adult otter (Lutra lutra) crania from Ireland. Univariate and multiv ariate techniques revealed a high degree of dimorphism, with shape, ra ther than size, accounting for most (86.96%) of the variation between the sexes. The results are discussed in relation to cranial musculatur e, dietary relationships between the sexes, and existing theories whic h try to explain the occurrence of sexual dimorphism in mustelids.