Cranial Features and Feeding Types of Subspecies Forms of Moschus moschiferus L. (Moschidae, Cetartiodactyla)

摘要

The relationship between the cranial features and feeding types in the musk deer has been studied. According to the results of dispersion and cluster analyses, the six modern subspecies were divided into four trophic (mixed-feeders) subcategories-by the ratio of grass and leaves with a significant fraction of lichens (from 25 to 75%) in their diet. It was established that some morphological features of the skulls of subspecies forms correlate with their feeding specialization and habitat and can thus be useful in the reconstruction of adaptations of extinct Moschidae taxa.