Species separation in artiodactyls communities by the criterion of territoriality: The hypothesis of olfactory exclusion
By means of discriminant function analysis of four traits (altitude, mean body weight, mean group size, territoriality) the interspecies distinctions are determined in two artiodactyls communities from geographically distant populations. The considered communities inhabit closed landscapes of the Altai and the Himalayas and are formed by species with different territorial systems (year-round, seasonal), also by species with total absence of such systems. By this attribute, the species ratio in the Altaian community turns out to be 1 : 1 : 2, and in the Himalayan community - 1 : 3 : 3. The diversity of territorial systems is the natural characteristic of the communities under study, at the base of which lie essential distinctions in the structure of specific biological signal fields. The inhibiting role is demonstrated of year-round territoriality in separation of populations in which species are characterized by seasonal pattern of scent marking by dermal glands secretion. Based on the results obtained, the principle is formulated of separation of species with active biological signal fields in the developed communities of Cetartiodactyla. According to this principle, two species with the year-round territoriality, which basic element is an intensive scent marking, cannot occupy the same habitat. The mechanism of olfactory exclusion of mammal species with specific functioning of the olfactory system is considered.