The importance of shape analysis of the first upper molar in the separation of two subspecies of the Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius (Linnaeus, 1758)) in Northern Anatolia

Abstract

Morphological features are important for intraspecific and interspecific variation. Teeth are important taxonomical characteristics because they can differ according to diet. Shape analysis of the first upper molar (M1) was used to determine geographical variations and effects of ecological changes on the population structure of Hazel dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius) living in Turkey. Both outline and landmark analysis, as well as a canonical variates analysis, showed significant differences in teeth shape between populations. With this technique, we separated out two subspecies: M. a. trapezius and M. a. abanticus. © TÜBİTAK.