Relative brain size in the mammalian carnivores of the Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Relative brain sizes (encephalization quotients; EQ) of the 30 Cape mammalian carnivores were calculated by regressing cranial volume against body mass. Within this taxon relative brain size appears to show no association with sociality, locomotion, activity regimen or habitat, but is positively correlated with body mass. It is suggested that EQ may be associated with feeding efficiency which is in turn positively correlated with body mass.