Cranial sexual discrimination in hatchling broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris)

CARLOS PIÑA, ALEJANDRO LARRIERA, PABLO SIROSKI AND LUCIANO M. VERDADE

IHERINGIA. SéRIE ZOOLOGIA

FUNDACAO ZOOBOTANICA RIO GRANDE SUL

Lugar: Porto Alegre, Brasil; Año: 2007 vol. 97 p. 17 - 20

0073-4721

Hatchlings broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) present a consistent sexual dimorphism in their cranium shape and size. Male hatchlings have smaller crania than females. Using multivariate statistical analyses it is possible to discriminate  sex in broad-snouted caiman hatchlings by their cranial shape with a reasonable efficiency. The understanding of sexual dimorphism of crocodilianhatchlings might be possibly improved by experimental approach considering, genetic and phenotypic variables such as incubation temperature and clutch of origin.