Sex determination in lions (Panthera leo, Felidae): a novel method of distinguishing male and female skulls
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Virginia L. Naples
and
Bruce M. Rothschild
Abstract
Examination of skulls and mandibles reveals a consistent and previously undocumented means of distinguishing sex in lions (Panthera leo), on the basis of a phenomenon unique among Carnivora. Male lions show a pattern of increased pore-like porosity in the maxillary region, superficial and proximal to the root of the upper canine teeth. Although some porosity is present in females, pores are less common, smaller, less obvious and primarily restricted to the bulge in the maxilla that marks the root of the upper canine tooth. Increased porosity (fine pores) is also a gender-independent feature of young individuals. This feature remains prominent throughout the lives of males, whereas porosity diminishes as females approach adult size. Juvenile male lions show a rapid increase in head size, correlated with the time immediately prior to dispersal from the natal pride. Specifically, increases in the rate of growth of cranial features, including the dentition and facial musculature are reflected in these changes. The rapid alteration of these features in maturing male lions indicates readiness to compete for social status with adult pride males. It is hypothesized that maxillary porosity is the anatomical correlate of this phenomenon.
©2012 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston
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- Review
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- Original Studies
- Ecological correlates of threatened endemic island rodents
- Status of cetaceans in Tunisia through analysis of stranding data from 1937 to 2009
- Group size, habitat use and overlap analysis of four sympatric ungulate species in Shivalik Ecosystem, Uttarakhand, India
- Camera trap study on inventory and daily activity patterns of large mammals in a mixed forest in north-western Turkey
- Activity and reproduction of Eptesicus brasiliensis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in the Rio de Janeiro State, Southeastern Brazil
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