abstract |
An overview
of the craniological differences between muskrats
and sympatric Arvicola based on materials from Ukraine
is presented. One of the most notable differences
is the absence of cement on the molars of muskrats,
which is typical for all Arvicolini. The shape of
the occlusal surface of muskrat molars is also characterised
by a smaller number of enamel loops and a more rounded
shape. The shape of the connection between the pterygoid
processes of the sphenoid bones and the auditory
bulla is different in these two genera. A number
of other differences have been described, including
the shape of the sphenoid bone openings, which are
wider in muskrats with deeper paired oval holes. |
references |
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