INTERSPECIFIC ANALYSIS OF SIZE-WEIGHT AND CRANIOMETRIC PARAMETERS OF VOLES OF THE SUBFAMILY ARVICOLINAE (RODENTIA, CRICETIDAE) FROM THE TERRITORY OF THE EASTERN PART OF THE GREATER CAUCASUS

Abstract

A comparative analysis of the size-weight and craniometric parameters of four vole species (Microtus arvalis, Microtus socialis, Microtus majori, Chionomys gud) from different biotopes of the Greater Caucasus was carried out. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed highly reliable interspecific differences (p < 0.0001) in key morphological features. The largest body and skull sizes were recorded in Ch. gud, which reflects adaptation to high-mountain climate conditions. Species of the genus Microtus demonstrate smaller sizes corresponding to plain and foothill habitats. Despite the morphological similarity, reliable differences associated with adaptation to different types of vegetation were revealed between M. arvalis and M. socialis. Morphological differentiation of the studied species emphasizes the role of environmental factors, biotopic confinement and physical and geographical structure of the region in the processes of microevolution of rodents of the Greater Caucasus.