摘要:

AbstractIn this paper 112 skeletal characters in 27 living species of bovids are used in cladistic and phenetic analyses of the relationships among the tribes in the family. Consideration and modification of the cladistic analysis leads to the conclusion that bovids cluster around four foci in ascending evolutionary sequence: Boselaphini and allies; Antilopini and some Neotragini; the Caprinae; and a group of African antelopes containingAepyceros, Alcelaphini, Reduncini and Hippotragini. This conclusion is quite closely compatible with the phenetic distance analysis of the same data, provided die latter is read as if primitive or early bovids share more similarities than divergently advanced ones and hence associate more closely. Given the primitiveness of Boselaphini and allies, the crucial finding is that Caprinae link with African antelopes and that Antilopini are more remote. Cladistic and phenetic analyses of 32 characters in 12 extinct bovid species produce similar groupings, but also throw doubt on the classification ofAepyceros, Reduncini and Hippotragini alongside Alcelaphini within a clade of African antelopes. As a result of these two sets of studies, of living and of extinct bovids, minimal alterations are proposed to the arrangement of bovid tribes. In addition,Saigais placed in the Antilopini, and, with less assurance,Peleain the Neotragini,Aepycerosin the Alcelaphinae, andPantholopsin the Caprinae. The contribution of the fossil record to understanding bovid evolution is considered.

ISSN:0305-1838    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2907.1992.tb00116.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractThe loss of ground by the Black Rat in the late 1950s continued through the next decade. Since then the number of site records has fluctuated and there has been less constancy in the places recording the presence of the rat. This impermanence of populations together with their small size suggests that introductions are short lived and that the species has only a tenuous foothold in the United Kingdom today. Port records show that rats are still arriving regularly by ship and it is suggested that future developments in climate and trade might further assist entry and make the environment more favourable for the Black Rat.

ISSN:0305-1838    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2907.1992.tb00117.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

AbstractBadger setts vary considerably in size, ranging from simple single‐entrance burrows to complex tunnel systems hundreds of metres long with multiple entrances and underground chambers. Data from 19 excavated setts show that main setts are larger than other setts in terms of area and volume, and contain more chambers, nests and latrines; but setts of different sizes and types are built according to the same basic architectural principles. Little is known about the environmental conditions within setts, other than that temperature and humidity are constant in parts of a sett that are at least 7 m from the nearest entrance. Setts are used for breeding and as sleeping places and refuges, but a question remains as to the functional value of large setts. It is suggested that large main setts allow members of a social group to avoid one another underground, especially when breeding. Little is known about the use of other types of set

ISSN:0305-1838    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2907.1992.tb00118.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY

摘要:

Book reviewed in this article:THE HANDBOOK OF BRITISH MAMMALS, 3rd edn. Edited by G. B. Corbet&S. HarrisKALAHARI HYAENAS. By M. G. L. Mills

ISSN:0305-1838    

DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2907.1992.tb00119.x

出版商:Blackwell Publishing Ltd    

年代:1992

数据来源: WILEY