Abstract
Pocock regarded the badgers of North America (Taxi- dea) to be sufficiently divergent from the European badgers (Meles) as to constitute a separate subfamily (Taxidiinae). His arrangement (which is not currently accepted) was based on differences in adult crania of the two genera, in the shapes of their teeth, and in their exter- nal anatomy (head, feet, and genital and anal areas). He did not men- tion a striking difference in number of permanent premolars between these genera. A baculum of Meles figured in Ognev is remarkably differ- ent from the baculum in Taxidea. Hall has shown the genera to have divergent phylogenies since at least early Pliocene time. Juveniles of these genera exhibit marked differences in the crania and in the shape and number of deciduous teeth. In view of these differences, I regard the name Taxidiinae as valid.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call