Abstract
The article delivers the results of craniometric analysis of Microtus gregalis Pall., 1779 from the anthropogenic areas of North-Eastern Kazakhstan.The aim of the study was to describe the impact of urbanization on craniometric traits of this rodent species.We compare craniometric traits of M. gregalis from anthropogenic and natural habitats.On drawing near the plant, the greater the anthropogenic impact on the environment becomes.We hypothesize that the craniometric measurements of animals from impact and buffer zones will have the most statistically significant differences from the control group.For comparing of the average values between all the groups, the equality of means was tested by using ANOVA (analysis of variance), which determines whether there are statistically significant differences in the average values of traits between the groups.Linear measurements of the skull were performed, since this part of the skeleton is conservative and performs a multitude of vital functions.Craniometric linear features illustrated that rodents in anthropogenic conditions have a statistically significant decrease inthe condylobasal length and length of the tooth row, but an increase in the height of the braincase, indicating physiological adaptation to life near humans and the need for rapid adaptation to new environmental conditions.