Multivariate geographical variation in the wolf Canis lupus L.
Jolicoeur P. 1959. Multivariate geographical variation in the wolf Canis lupus L.. Evolution. 13(3):283-299
An analysis is made of pelage and skull variation in five hundred wolf specimens from northwestern Nearctic localities. Pale wolves are relatively more frequent toward the tundra. Males are 4% larger than females in linear skull dimensions. Northeastern specimens are shorter - but relatively broader-skulled than southwestern ones. Multivariate biometrical differences between populations appear approximately proportional to geographical separation. This may express genetic differentiation through imperfect panmictia. But direct environmental influences may be involved. Formal taxonomic conclusions are postponed but it seems probable that far too many subspecific designations are now in use. Multivariate statistical techniques are very efficient for evolutionary comparisons with respect to complexes of characters.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Jolicoeur, Pierre
- Units
- GLAC
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Biometrical differences, Characteristics, Environmental influences, Evolution, geographical variation, Panmictic, Population Genetics, Wolf (Canis lupus L.)