Paleontology and Systematic Relationships of Short-Tailed Shrews (Genus Blarina)

Author

Cheri A. Jones, Fort Hays State University

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/YVRL7974

Date of Award

Fall 1982

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Biology

Advisor

Jerry R. Choate

Abstract

Dental measurements of Pleistocene and Holocene shrews of the genus Blarina were analyzed in a multivariate assessment of evolution and paleoecology in the genus. Blarina brevicauda, or an indistinguishable precursor, apparently was the ancestral form. Two species, comparable to Holocene brevicauda and carolinensis, appeared during the Irvingtonian and were present throughout the Rancholabrean. Increasing continentality since mid-Wisconsinan time has caused further segregation of the members of the genus, with the species hylophaga appearing in the late Wisconsin. Fossils of Blarina were found in warm- moist and cool - moist faunas. The fossil record of the genus is summarized.

Comments

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Recommended Citation

Jones, Cheri A., "Paleontology and Systematic Relationships of Short-Tailed Shrews (Genus Blarina)" (1982). Master's Theses. 1852.
DOI: 10.58809/YVRL7974
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1852

Rights

© 1982 Cheri A. Jones