abstract |
Various
methods are used to identify representatives of
the genus Sylvaemus, most of which are metric. In
order to exclude anomalies in further calculations
and to minimize allometric variations associated
with the growth of animals, it is necessary to take
into account age as an important factor of variability.
Usually, a number of criteria are used to determine
the age and describe the growth of mice: measurements
of body and skull parameters, body weight, the degree
molar wear, and the weight of the lens of the eye.
Length is a more consistent guide for determining
the age of mice than body weight, which usually
ceases to be directly related to age after reaching
adult size. Age can also be determined by the fusion
of the epiphysis with the diaphysis in the bones
of the limbs and by the degree of development of
the thymus. Most often, teeth are used to determine
age. Among such age criteria, we distinguish eruption
and replacement of teeth sets, tooth growth in length,
overgrowth of the tooth pulp cavity, tooth wear,
and annual layers in the tooth tissues. Usually,
the age of mice is determined by the degree of molar
wear. Some authors do not consider this method universal
due to individual feeding habits of animals and
other environmental factors. The order of wear of
tooth rows can sometimes change, and the degree
of wear of the right and left tooth rows can also
differ. The craniological collection of small mammals
of O. V. Zorya, collected in the territory of Kharkiv
Oblast, Ukraine, was studied. In total, 198 specimens
of three species of the genus Sylvaemus were analysed:
Sylvaemus uralensis, Sylvaemus sylvaticus, and Sylvaemus
tauricus. Analysed were 14 odontometric and 23 craniological
characters. Among the metric characters, four odontometric
(LM2, WM1, LM2, LM123) and nine craniological characters
(LIOC, LD, LFI, LPP, WCH, GLS, DI, LLM, LM) made
the greatest contribution to the age group differentiation
of mice of the genus Sylvaemus. Among the features
that contributed the most to the differentiation,
length measurements prevailed. LLM, LM123, LPP,
LIOC, and GLS are the least variable metric characters.
It is not possible to divide the sample of mice
of the genus Sylvaemus into age groups based on
odontometric and craniological character since the
ranges of values of metric characters overlap. |
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