Repeatability of size and fluctuating asymmetry of antler characteristics in red deer (Cervus elaphus) during ontogeny
Kateg. publikace | Vědecké publikace impaktované |
Interní odkaz | 7070.pdf |
Abstrakt | Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has been suggested as a measure of the sensitivity of development to a wide array of genetic and environmental stresses. It has been also suggested that antlers in red deer could be important during social and rutting displays.In this study, antler measurements of 51 males were determined over subsequent seasons and than antler weight, length, and the number of antler tines were analysed. The absolute and relative FA were calculated. The three size traits were highly significantly intercorrelated. By contrast, the FA of the three traits did not show such relationships. With increasing age, antler size and FA also increased. When testing the repeatability of FA and antler size, there was a principal difference in the patternbetween FA and antler size, with the latter being much more consistent. This suggests that antler size, not FA, may be a good predictor of the bearer?s quality in mate selection. This fits well with the good-genes hypothesis. |
Oddělení | Technologie a technika chovu hospodářských zvířat |
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