therya-5_2

A NEW SPECIES OF PHYLLOTIS FROM THE PERUVIAN ANDES
phyllotines have been analyzed; however the reported variation in this organ suggest that
there is likely phylogenetic signal and should be further studied.
Although our diet analysis is preliminary, Phyllotis pearsoni appears to be an herbivorous
rodent that prefers to feed on fruit items, unlike Phyllotis andium that consumes mainly
grasses (Pizzimenti and De Salle 1980; Cerro 2005). Thus these sympatric species may
not overlap in their diets. Pizzimenti and De Salle (1980) suggested that larger species are
more herbivorous than smaller species, which are more insectivorous. The herbivorous
diet of the comparatively large species P. pearsoni agrees with this prediction.
Figure 11. Hypothetical
chromosome evolution
in the species member
of the Phyllotis andium
group.
The localities where P. pearsoni has been registered are not in any protected area. The
closest protected area of significant size is the Huascarán National Park in the Cordillera
500
THERYA Vol.5(2): 481-508