Primitive and derived features in the teeth of modern moose [Alces, Cervidae, Mammalia) from Eastern Siberia

Abstract

Variability of evolutionary relevant teeth morphology of modern moose from Eastern Siberia has been studied in comparison with the European form. Primitive deviations have been revealed in Eastern Siberian sample, that is rare in the teeth of moose from Europe. The data suggest that "American" and "European" moose have been developing independently for a long time, which could resulted in differentiation of moose in to two species, Alces alces L., 1758 (Europe, Western Siberia) and Alces americanus Clinton, 1822 (North America, Eastern Siberia, Far East). © Russian Journal of Theriology, 2011.