Cranial differences in three-toed jerboas (Dipodinae, Dipodidae, Rodentia) according to recent taxonomic revisions

Abstract Recent phylogenetic studies amended the taxonomy of three-toed jerboas (subfamily Dipodinae), including raising subspecies to full species. Here, we use geometric morphometrics compare scaled-shape differences in dipodine crania while considering their revised taxonomy. We sampled Dipus deasyi, D. sagitta halli, s. sowerbyi, Jaculus blanfordi blanfordi, J. hirtipes, jaculus, loftusi, orientalis gerboa, o. mauritanicus, and Stylodipus andrewsi. Crania were not sexually dimorphic. Common allometry explained some shape variation, for example, reduced braincases larger specimens. Most operational taxonomic unit pairs differed both size shape. clustered together based on cranial from aforementioned genera by its tympanic bulla, broader braincase, infraorbital foramen, along with molars rostra. other face versus vault. (subgenus Haltomys) resembles members subgenus more than consubgener (J. orientalis). previously considered a synonym clearly latter shorter rostrum, smaller caudolaterally expanded bulla. another recent resembled scaled it did jaculus. halli sowerbyi indistinguishable, but they deasyi (recently raised species) having molar row, inflated shorter, slenderer rostrum. Ecological explanations detected are considered, diet habitat (particularly substrate).