Studies of the Biology of Minnesotan Chipmunks

Abstract

Eastern and least chipmunks (Tamias striatus and Eutamias minimus) from the Itasca area of Minnesota were studied with regard to their general ecology, morphological variation at different ages, seasonal differences in age composition of populations, incidence of reproductive activity, and food preferences. The two species were found to be ecologically distinct from each other. From the data, some inferences are made concerning the phylogeny of these two chipmunks.