The evolution of the giant deer, Megaloceros giganteus (Blumenbach)
1994; Oxford University Press; Volume: 112; Issue: 1-2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1111/j.1096-3642.1994.tb00312.x
ISSN1096-3642
Autores Tópico(s)Hydrology and Sediment Transport Processes
ResumoAbstract The giant deer, Megaloceros giganteus , is best known from its fossil occurrences in Ireland around 11 000 years ago, but has a history across Europe and Western Asia spanning 300 000-400 000 years. This paper reports a biometric study of variation and evolution in the giant deer through its history. Most early populations were as large in body size as the Irish sample, but some were distinctly smaller and others had markedly shorter limbs. Thickened skull and mandibular bones, especially marked in males, are constant throughout the species' history. Some earlier populations had antlers which were relatively smaller, more upright and differing in other details from the celebrated Irish specimens. Observed variation in body and antler form is discussed in terms of changing palaeoenvironments. Interpretation of the fighting or display roles of M. giganteus antlers needs to take account of their differing forms through time.
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