Publication details
Phenotype diversity and extinction dynamics of the European narrow-headed vole, Stenocranius anglicus (Hinton, 1910), in Central Europe (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Arvicolinae)
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Vertebrate Zoology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://doi. org/10.3897/vz.76.e180962 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e180962 |
| Keywords | Central European refugia; extinction dynamics; geometric morphometrics; phenotype variation; Pleistocene-Holocene transition; small mammals; Vistulian glacial |
| Attached files | |
| Description | This study investigates phenotypic variability and extinction dynamics of the European narrow-headed vole (Stenocranius anglicus) across Central Europe. Based on analyses of more than 2000 molars from 14 localities spanning the Middle Pleistocene to the Holocene, we applied geometric morphometrics, biometric measurements, and morphotype classifications to assess variation in molar shape. The results demonstrate high morphological diversity during the Late Pleistocene and show that geographic variation outweighs temporal trends. Some populations remained stable over long periods, while others exhibited reduced variability and signs of decline prior to extinction. The findings suggest that local environmental conditions played a key role in shaping population dynamics and the extinction process. |
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