A primary study of sexual dimorphism skull of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in Iran

Sexual dimorphism is a common biological phenomenon which examines structure differences between males and females in a population or species. This study was conducted to investigate the patterns of sexual dimorphism in skull of European hare(Lepus europaeus) in Iran using geometric morphometric technique. Hence, the dorsal, lateral and ventral faces of 70 collected skulls (39 Females and 31 Males) 53 landmark points were defined on 2D pictures. Landmark data after generalised procrustes analysis (GPA) were analyzed using DFA (Discriminant Analysis). Results showed significant difference between skull shape of male and female in the dorsal (P = 0.03) and ventral (P = 0. 004) faces could confirm sexual shape dimorphism in the skull of European hare. According to the results, sexual dimorphism of hare’ cranium was more pronounced in zygomatic arc and muzzle bones. Overall, skull of female compared to male tend to more length muzzle and shorter zygomatic arc.