The pattern of color change in small mammal museum specimens: is it independent of storage histories given museum-specific conditions?

摘要

ObjectiveDetermination of color and evaluating its variation form the basis for a broad range of research questions. For studies on taxonomy, systematics, etc., resorting to mammal specimens in museum collections has a number of advantages over using field specimens. However, if museum specimens are to be for studying color, they should accurately represent the color of live animals, or we should understand how they differ. Basically, this study addresses this question: How does coat color vary when dealing with specimens of Akodon budini (Budin’s grass mouse, Thomas 1918), stored in one museum collection for different periods of time?