VARIATION IN THE CRANIAL MORPHOMETRY OF THE MAGELLANIC PENGUIN (SPHENISCUS MAGELLANICUS)

Skull morphometric variation was analyzed in Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus). Thirteen landmarks were selected in the posterior region of the skull in order to evaluate the morphology variation exhibited in the nuchal crests, the temporal fossa, the interorbital region, and the sulcus glandulae nasale. Additionally, five landmarks were analyzed in the rostrum. Morphometric geometry allowed to establish which characters are more reliable for systematic identification. The results show a minimum variation in the development of the groove of the salt gland among the analyzed specimens of Spheniscus magellanicus, while the extension of the temporal fossa is the most variable character. Accepted 7 January 2009.