Behavior and Phylogenetic Relations Among Artiodactyla Families (Mammalia)
Phylogenetic relationships between five contemporary Artiodactyla families (Suidae, Tragulidae, Moschidae, Bovidae, and Cervidae) were investigated using the cluster analysis of 45 behavioural characteristics of 51 genera. The specimens of the ancient Suidae and Tragulidae families contain archaic patterns in their behavioural repertory, and these families form the common clade on the phylogenetic tree. Bovidae and Cervidae form a monophyletic branch, and the Moschidae representatives occupy the external position towards them. Patterns of the cleaning, defensive, feeding, agonistic, sexual, mother-child's and territorial behaviour are discussed as new ones for the estimation of phylogenetic relations among the Artiodactyla families. Agonistic patterns that correspond to the certain stage of the phylogenetic development of Artiodactyla appear in all families in accordance with their weapons, body size, and social organization. In Moschidae, patterns of behavioural repertories parallel to those in primitive Tragulidae ruminants were registered. Our results allow referring Moschidae and Bovidae+Cervidae to the Cervoidea superfamily.