Observations on the Surface Structure of the Hairs of Tasmanian Monotremes and Marsupials

In this paper brief observations are made on the principal dimensions, cross-sectional shapes and cuticular scale patterns of hairs of the Tasmanian monotremes and marsupials. The observations on the cuticular scale patterns alone, without considering other elements of the hair shaft, are of only limited value in a comparative study of marsupial hairs. However, it is suggested that a detailed microscopic examination of these hairs would probably prove to be of taxonomic value. The marked changes in scale form, which are usually found along a single hail', are considered to be of an inherent and genetic character and aI'€' not caused by varying amounts of attrition or by dehydration of the hail' shaft. The cross-sectional shape, although not always constant, is found to be a useful character in the identification of Tasmanian monotreme and marsupial hairs. The unique structure of the' protective hairs of Isoodon and Pcrameles is indicated.