Species identification in pikas Ochotona (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae), on the basis of variation in occlusal surface of the third lower premolar

Variation in the occlusal morphology of the third lower premolar tooth is examined in a sample of 369 adult pikas of all recent species.It is shown that, despite a high degree of intraspecifi c variation, the shape of the p 3 enamel loops refl ects the phylogenetic relationships of pika species.While differences between most species pairs require a special multivariate analysis, differences between pika subgenera can be verbalised and recognised visually.For the fi rst time, dental characters have been described that allow a reliable distinction of the members of the subgenus Alienauroa.