Quem dita a regra: Allen, Bergmann ou Gloger?
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Data
2024-12-17
Autores
Lemes, Thamila Barcellos
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Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo
Resumo
Biogeographic rules are generalizations derived from observations of a group of organisms that are widely extendable to various other taxa, with the aim of providing explanations for the patterns observed. Among the main biogeographical rules, we highlight those of Allen, Bergmann and Gloger, which although well established, have weak empirical support. By investigating whether the conditions stipulated by the proposed model are met, we can uncover factors that influence the adaptation of taxa to environments and the evolution of their phenotypic characteristics. In order to assess the suitability of these rules in Neotropical mammals, we used three species: the agile gracile opossum Gracilinanus agilis, the tapeti Sylvilagus minensis and the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous. We checked whether there was a relationship between the size of the appendages, body size and brightness of the fur of these species with wet bulb temperature indices and also with the interaction between temperature and relative humidity. The specimens analyzed came from various Brazilian biological collections, ensuring a latitudinally representative sample from different regions and biomes. The morphological measurements came from the tag data, while to quantify coat color, we used a portable sphere spectrophotometer and measured it in CIELAB color space. Preliminary tests were carried out to check for possible influences of sex and collection time on coat color clarity. We used generalized linear models between morphological and environmental variables to validate the rules, as well as other environmental and geographical factors not described in the rule statements. Only C. thous followed the Bergmann rule, while the Allen and Gloger rules were not supported by any of the taxa. We hope to contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms underlying biogeographic rules and their relevance in different ecological contexts, as well as presenting a quantitative methodology for measuring coloration in mammals, allowing for less subjective definitions, necessary for reproducibility and comparative studies
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Mamíferos , Morfologia , Região neotropical , Regras biogeográficas , Biogeographical rules , Mammals , Morphology , Neotropical region.