ECOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF HINDLIMB LENGTH IN THE CARNIVORA

What determines the lengths and proportions of mammalian limbs? While the answer to this question is still largely unknown, a number of work ers have recently begun analysing the selection of morphology in a rig orous framework, searching for quantitative links between structure, p erformance, and their ecological and behavioural context. The present study investigates a variety of ecological and behavioural variables t o determine whether or not they are correlated with hind-limb length i n the Carnivora. Data were analysed by using phylogenetically independ ent contrasts and phylogenetic analysis of covariance. We found that t raditional perceptions of limb length are often inaccurate; some speci es widely regarded as relatively long-legged actually have limb length s near those expected for their body size. Interestingly, relative hin d-limb length is not a significant predictor of distance moved daily, home-range area, or prey size. Phylogenetic ANCOVA results, however, i ndicate a relationship between prey-capture behaviour and relative hin d-limb length. These findings suggest that the evolution of carnivoran limb length has been most influenced by selection for prey-capture be haviour. These results, coupled with those of other studies, can be us ed to suggest which performance variables could most Fruitfully be stu died in the laboratory to understand the selection of the structure of the mammalian limb. We suggest that relevant performance variables mi ght be: maximum jump height and/or length, the ability to generate out forces, and levels of stress tolerance in limb bones during prey pursu it/capture.