Korean Journal of Environmental Biology (환경생물)

Korean Society of Environmental Biology (한국환경생물학회)
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The dorsal guard hair identification key of Korean small mammals (Rodentia and Lagomorpha)

  • Yung Kun Kim (Mammal Research Team, Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology) ;
  • Junghwa An (Division of Animal Resources, National Institute of Biological Resources) ;
  • Eunok Lee (Department of Research Planning, National Institute of Ecology)
  • Received : 2022.04.07
  • Accepted : 2022.06.02
  • Published : 2022.06.30
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Abstract

We analyzed the hair microstructure of Korean small terrestrial mammals, such as Rodentia and Lagomorpha, to classify the characteristics of hair morphology. Micromys minutus showed a unicellular irregular type of medulla structures; on the other hand, the other mammals showed multicellular structures. Regarding the cuticular scale structures, the Rodentia species exhibited a narrow and broad diamond petal type, while the Lagomorpha species exhibited an elongated petal type. Interestingly, the hair cross-sections showed quite unique characteristics. We constructed hair identification keys to distinguish species with a single hair. The dichotomous key of Rodentia and Lagomorpha can be used for their behavioral ecology and dietary analysis of upper predators to serve as the basis for ecological research.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by the National Institute of Ecology [NIE-B-2022-33] and the National Institute of Biological Resources[NIBR201503103] in Korea.

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