Identifying Myotis Species Using Geometric Morphometrics and its Implications for the Fossil Record and Conservation

<p>Dentaries of the 6 species of <em>Myotis </em>that occur in the eastern United States were analyzed using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. The species could be distinguished with a high degree of accuracy. Evidence was found of a phylogenetic signal in the morphology of the Neotropical and Nearctic <em>Myotis </em>sub-clades. There is also evidence of convergence in the morphology of the dentary among <em>Myotis </em>species that feed primarily by gleaning. When analyzed together there was no evidence of sexual dimorphism among the 6 eastern U.S. <em>Myotis</em>, but when analyzed individually some dimorphism may be present. A sample of fossil <em>Myotis </em>of unknown species from Bat Cave, Kentucky, was analyzed in an attempt to identify the specimens to species. Results indicate that <em>Myotis austroriparius </em>and <em>M. sodalis </em>predominate the sample, possibly with smaller numbers of <em>M. grisescens </em>and <em>M. leibii</em>. This study demonstrates the ability to differentiate <em>Myotis </em>taxa from historic and prehistoric sites and provides a tool for researchers to better understand and potentially conserve these species.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geosciences

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Jansky, Kyle J

• Myotis
• Geometric Morphometrics
• Dentary
• Paleontology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1145

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-2337