\nThe red gazelle (Eudorcas rufina<\/em>).
\nBright rufous pelts – such beauty, such grace! But all we know about are skin and face,
\nNo genetic studies, no records in the wild, Only two specimens worldwide on file.<\/p>\n
Three, there once were, shot 19th<\/sup> century, Allegedly Algerian – though this is speculatory, Upon inspection, an imposter! Begone! \u201cLast expert, please!\u201d The judge demands, I swear my oath and begin at the stand, But what of its real affinity? Distinct, rufifrons or thomsonii? The defence lawyer rumbles, suddenly erupts, \u201cExplain yourself!\u201d The judge interrupts, \u201cObjection, your honour!\u201d Cried he, The judge ponders, slowly speaks, \u201cA trial with DNA is what you seek?\u201d At time of writing, I patiently await, (1) From left to right: The skulls of Thomson\u2019s gazelle (E. thomsonii), red gazelle (E. rufina) and red-fronted gazelle (E. rufifrons). Note the prominent horn rings and large, deep dip in front of the eyes. This is called the pre-orbital fossa and houses important scent glands. These features are hallmarks of the Eudorcas gazelles.<\/p>\n (2) A plot constructed from measurement data taken from skulls of Eudorcas gazelles. This type of cluster analysis, called \u2018principal component analysis\u2019 is often used in morphological studies, and when points group together it can be indicative of the same species – as can be seen for the red gazelle (E. rufina) which is nestled within the E. rufifrons group. The two were also grouped in my evolutionary tree based on morphological features.<\/p>\n
\nOne red-fronted gazelle (Eudorcas rufifrons<\/em>). With the IUCN denouncing its legitimacy1<\/sup>, The red gazelle faded into obscurity,
\nA true species, or all imposters? Court in session to settle the matter.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cRinged horns, large pocket for scent glands, Undeniably Eudorcas<\/em>, no doubt about that\u201d. \u201cIt is slightly similar\u201d, remarked I,
\n\u201cTo Thomson\u2019s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii<\/em>), But most features and short, straight horns,
\nIt completely resembles Eudorcas rufifrons<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nMeasurements done, the analysis complete, The jury reached a verdict, drum roll please. Several points clustered together,
\nEudorcas rufifrons and Eudorcas rufina, Also grouped in the evolutionary tree, Unanimous decision – defendant guilty.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThis trial is based only on morphology!
\nI beg you, your honour, you must reconsider, Else my client be condemned forever,
\nTo the vast depths of purgatory, Remaining anonymous to humanity.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cYes, your honour, for anatomy can lie – Birds and bats – unrelated – but both fly.\u201d The judge, moved by impassioned plea, Adjourns the court immediately,
\nThis creature, thought I, imposter or not, Should not be one Father Time forgot.<\/p>\n
\nDNA results – species or not will they state? The judge arrives, bangs the gavel,
\n\u201cOrder! Order!\u201d The plot unravels, Prosecution ready, the accused tense Defence determined, courtroom suspense, Soon, once again, I take to the stand,
\nThe red gazelle\u2019s fate rests in my hands.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.imperial.ac.uk\/icpostgrad\/files\/2022\/06\/Thea_pics.jpg\")
<\/p>\n