The Biosystematics Study on Testudo graeca in the North Western Iran
Subject Areas : Journal of Animal Biology
1 - دانشگاه ایروان، گروه زیستشناسی، ایروان، ارمنستان
Keywords: Morphology, Zanjan, West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Testudo graeca,
Abstract :
In order to find out diversity of Testudo graeca populations in the north western of Iran, 30 adult females were studied in East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan and Zanjan Provinces from April 2008 to April 2010. The natural history of specimens is presented. Forty morphometric characters in three populations have been measured. Principle Component Analysis (PCA) exploited three means components. The components expressed 80.32%, 4.38% and 3.22% changes, respectively. Dispersion of Specimens based on components showed that all populations are placed closed to each other. Discriminant Factor Analysis (DFA) educed two meaningful Factors that expressed 53.6 % and 46.4% changes. Dispersion of Specimens based on Factor 1 and 2 demonstrated that all populations were separated, distinctly. It seems that habitat differences, geographical and ecological situation are the reason for this separation. Cluster analysis showed all of populations were placed in a same cluster, but one of specimens of West Azerbaijan was placed in separate branch. So this interesting finding can be inferred by new form.
