論文の公開元へPelage insulation in mustelids : Hair density and morphology of medulla in mustelids
概要
Pelage insulation depends on the density and length of hair. Hair density is an important factor for determining the quality of fur and to help mammals adapt to their habitat. This study measured hair density and observed the morphology of the medulla in pelage of Japanese mustelids. Hair density was calculated from the number of hairs per hair bundle and the number of hair bundles per cm2. Morphological observations of the medulla were made with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The hair density was highest in the sea otter (Enhydra lutris), followed by the river otter (Lutra lutrd),the mink (Neovison vison), the ermine {Mustela earminea), the sable (Martes zibellina), the Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi), and the least weasel {Mustela nivalis). The morphology of the medulla varied more than expected. This suggests that the medulla morphology could be used to identify a species in mammals. This study suggests the possibil ity for clarifying whether hair density and the morphology of the medulla depend upon taxonomy or habitat, by examining the pelage of species inhabiting different environments.
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