In:
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Canadian Science Publishing, Vol. 73, No. 1 ( 1995-01-01), p. 141-145
Abstract:
Fluctuating asymmetry, i.e., random, subtle departures from perfect bilateral symmetry, is believed to be a measure of developmental noise. The more physical stress an organism has undergone, the greater the asymmetry. We investigated the degree of fluctuating asymmetry in bones of the American kestrel (Falco sparverius) as a test of the developmental consequences of sexual dimorphism in size. The "cost of rearing" hypothesis predicts that females, because of their larger size, will suffer food shortages more often than males and hence show greater asymmetry. In contrast, the "female dominance" hypothesis predicts that females will be under less developmental stress because their size gives them an advantage when they compete with their brothers for limited food while in the nest. Significant fluctuating asymmetry was detected for all characters of both sexes; however, differences between males and females only approached statistical significance. We suggest that the degree of among-broods variation is so great that the role of gender in influencing developmental stability may be relatively small.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0008-4301
,
1480-3283
Language:
English
Publisher:
Canadian Science Publishing
Publication Date:
1995
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1490831-1
SSG:
12
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