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A possible index to distinguish between Canis latrans and Canis familiaris
Calaway, Miranda
Calaway, Miranda
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2001
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Miranda, Calaway (2001). A possible index to distinguish between Canis latrans and Canis familiaris. -- Lambda Alpha Journal, v 31.p.28-31.
Abstract
The crania of Canis latrans (coyote) and Canis familiaris (dog) are
morphologically similar and can be confusing when trying to differentiate
between the two. Dogs and coyotes have similar origins that go back into the
Oligocene. The hespaeocyon is the extinct creature that gave rise to all canids
(Colbert 1958:68). Hence, many canid skulls look very similar in structure.
There is a definite distinction between dogs and other canids. In compared
patterns of intracranial allometry and morphological diversity between
domestic dog and wild canid species, domestic dogs were shown to be
morphologically distinct from all others except wolf like canids (Wayne
1985:247). Dogs having a similarity to wolflike canids can be explained by
the theory that dogs are descended from wolves. Some of the morphological
changes that occurred in the domestication are size reduction, shortening of
facial region, and paedomorphism (retention of juvenile characteristics)
(Morey 1992:182). Coyotes evolved separately from wolves and dogs.
Coyotes are more related to foxes than wolves and a have a more generalized
biology than the other canid counterparts. They have narrower skulls than
wolves and the jaws have not developed as wide as the wolves, which, in the
case of dogs compromises gripping power (Nowak 1978:5). In his paper
"Distinction between the skulls of coyotes and dogs," Krantz (1959) gives an
excellent description of gross morphological differences between dogs and
coyotes. The Coyote has the following characteristics -- A longer narrower
muzzle, small frontal sinus, s-shaped zygo-maxillary suture, a vertical
posterior border of coronoid process, a plane of palate that would miss skull
if extended, the space between the auditory bulla is narrower than either
bulla, internal nares are in line or slightly forward of second molars, the
anterior palatine foramen is three or four times long as it is wide, the lower
first molar rear cusp is the same size as the other two, the second, third, and
fourth premolars are three times long as they are wide, and the coyote has a
straight tooth row. The dog has a shorter wider snout, tooth row that bends
outward, often has teeth missing, pronounced bulge over occipital orbits,
straight zygo-maxillary suture, the posterior coronoid process extends
backwards at the tip, the plane ofthe palate would hit the skull, the space
between the auditory bulla are wider than the bulla, internal nare usually extend
to a point behind second molars, anterior palatine foramen two times as
long as it is wide, lower first molar rear cusps differ in size, and the second,
third, and fourth premolars are three times long as they are wide. Craniometric
differences exist as well. If the molar tooth row is 3.1 or more times that
of a palatal width, the specimen is a coyote. If the molar tooth row is 2.7
times or less, the specimen is a dog. (Howard 1949:170)
Despite all these differences confusion may still arise when differentiating
between the two species, especially if the cranium is incomplete, or if
the characteristics look like they could belong to dog or coyote. More craniometric
evaluations may be utilized to establish mathematical guidelines
for distinguishing the two species and the evolutionary processes. Additional
indexes would be helpful in defining the correct species and establishing
evolutionary relationships.
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Wichita State University. Department of Anthropology
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LAJ
v.31
v.31
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0047-3928