Sexual shape dimorphism in Serbian roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.)

Abstract

The focus of studies of sexual dimorphism has been mainly on size whereas shape has remained largely ignored when assessing population differentiation. In order to extract exclusive information about shape variability, we combined multivariate statistical procedures with geometric morphometrics and visualization techniques (thin plate splines). All roe deer skulls, used in this study, originated from a single population in Serbia. Our results showed statistically significant sexual dimorphism of male and female skull shape. Different patterns of shape variability in males and females were observed, such as broader cranial base in males and elongated and more slender shape of female skull, with narrower basicranium. Shape differences appear to be regulated only broadly by social structure and sexual selection, and some other mechanisms could be proposed for further explanation of sexual dimorphism. © 2011 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Säugetierkunde.