Multidimensional phenotyping (with special reference to Microtus arvalis Pallas, 1779 and M. Socialis Pallas, 1773)

Abstract

Factor analysis of common and social voles morphological variability was given for 17 morphological features. According to the results of such analysis in vole samples, it was found that 85.4% variability of the majority morphological features for common vole and 88.6% the same one in case of social vole have been described by three first’s principal components (PC1–PC3). In both vole species first principal component characteri­zes the age variability by general size of the body, and second and third components – body proportions. A definition of voles biological age might be used of the body general size and proportions, mass of testes (reproductive status) and thymus (capacity for subsequent growth). 2 groups of males common vole and 8 groups of males of social vole of different biological age was identified by the multidimensional phenotyping. It was shown that biodiversity of social vole males is significantly higher in comparison with the common vole. This could be explained by the fact that physiological and reproductive activity was higher in Microtus socialis comparing with M. arvalis.

Keywords

• microtus socialis
• m. arvalis
• voles
• general size and proportions of body
• method of multidimensional phenotyping
• biological age