Study of osteological samples of mammals: key craniometric characters

Generalized scheme for description of craniometric characters of mammals is presented, with detailed analysis of each group of signs (overall, braincase, rostrum, and mandible). Unified system of acronyms for designation of measurements is proposed and applied. Partial schemes are presented, separately for each typical representative of main orders known in the fauna of Ukraine: rodents (Sylvaemus), bats (Eptesicus), insectivores (Crocidura), carnivores (Mustela), ungulates (Capreolus). All partial schemes are illustrated by photos with designations of key points for measurements. Each partial scheme includes about 15–20 metric features. Problems of “excess”, small-sized and group-specific features as well as size of samples are discussed. The application of description of craniometric variation was considered: diagnostics of closed species, differentiation of age and sex groups, analysis of geographic variation, growth changes of features, study of evolutional and ecomorphological differentiation of species etc.