Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Geosciences
Date of Award
5-2014
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Steven C. Wallace
Committee Members
Jim I. Mead, Blaine W. Schubert
Abstract
Two discreet methods of geometric morphometrics were applied to evaluate the taxonomic utility of each in classifying the craniomandibular region of several Mustela species. Use of both linear measurements and 2-dimensional landmarks proved successful in discriminating between extant M. nigripes (black-footed ferret) and Neovison vison (American mink), in addition to the extant North American weasel species (M. erminea, M. frenata, M. nivalis). Methods were then used to classify Late Pleistocene Mustela spp. fossils collected from Snake Creek Burial Cave (SCBC) of eastern Nevada. Data acquired for unknown predicted group memberships varied markedly among methods and specimens. Nevertheless, results support the presence of M. nigripes and all 3 weasel taxa among the SCBC paleofauna.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Fox, Nathaniel S. III, "Analysis of Snake Creek Burial Cave Mustela fossils using Linear & Landmark-based Morphometrics: Implications for Weasel Classification & Black-footed Ferret Conservation" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2339. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2339
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.