A Numerical Analysis of the Modifications of the Appendicular Muscles in Various Genera of Gallinaceous Birds

Abstract

Gross morphology of the wing and leg muscles was studied in representatives of 35 genera, including all families, subfamilies and Opisthocomus. A total of 175 items are considered, 82 in the wing and 93 in the pelvic limb. Each genus is compared with all other genera by 2 methods of numerical analysis, one using conventional correlation coefficients based on equal weighting, and a scoring system based on differential weighting of characters. Results are interpreted as justifying recognition of the Cracoidea for the Megapodiidae and Cracidae. Grouse are placed in the Tetraonidae, and the Phasianidae is considered to include the Odonto-phorinae, Phasianinae, Meleagridinae, Numidinae, and Pavoninae. Opisthocomus appears unrelated to the Galliformes and is separated in the Opisthocomiformes.