IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
|
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
|
|
| Par‚s-Casanova, P.M. | |
| Comparison of Neurocranium between domestic cat (_Felis catus_ Linneaus 1758) and wild cat (_Felis silvestris_ Schreber, 1777) by means of geometric morphometric techniques | |
| 2021 International Journal of Morphology (39): 823-828 | |
The objective of this study was to objectively compare the differences in the total shape (size and pure shape) of the neurocranium between a group of domestic cat skulls (_Felis catus_, n=81), and wildcats (_Felis silvestris_, n=12) by means of geometric morphometric techniques. To achieve it, we obtained digital photographs of the left side of the skulls in a standardized form, in which 8 landmarks and 9 semilandmarks were located. After a Generalized Procrustes Superimposition, a Principal Component Analysis and a Canonical Analysis one were performed to compare and detect possible differences. Neurocranial sizes showed no differences between the two groups, however, significant differences in shape did appear. Shape changes would mainly affect the squamosal-coronal suture and, to a lesser extent, caudal skull points, therefore suggesting changes in masticatory muscles. As far as this authorïs knowledge, this is the first research that characterizes and compares the skull of cats using geometric morphology methods, recommending greater use of this technique given the scarcity of publications on this subject in domestic mammals. |
|
 |
PDF files are only accessible to Friends of the Cat Group. Joining Friends of the Cat Group gives you unlimited access and downloads in the Cat SG Library for one year, and allows you to receive our newsletter Cat News (2 regular issues per year plus special issues). More information how to join here |
(c) IUCN/SSC Cat Specialist Group ( IUCN - The World Conservation Union) |