Species identification in pikas <i>Ochotona</i> (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae), on the basis of variation in occlusal surface of the third lower premolar

Lissovsky, A.A.; Obolenskaya, E.V.; Ge, D.-Y.

Russian Journal of Theriology. Main page

Species identification in pikas Ochotona (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae), on the basis of variation in occlusal surface of the third lower premolar
Lissovsky A.A., Obolenskaya E.V., Ge D.-Y.
P. 22-31
Variation in the occlusal morphology of the third lower premolar tooth is examined in a sample of 369 adult pikas of all recent species. It is shown that, despite a high degree of intraspecific variation, the shape of the p₃ enamel loops reflects the phylogenetic relationships of pika species. While differences between most species pairs require a special multivariate analysis, differences between pika subgenera can be verbalised and recognised visually. For the first time, dental characters have been described that allow a reliable distinction of the members of the subgenus Alienauroa.

DOI: 10.15298/rusjtheriol.24.1.05

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