FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY AND SEXUAL SELECTION

被引:333
作者
MOLLER, AP [1 ]
POMIANKOWSKI, A [1 ]
机构
[1] UNIV LONDON UNIV COLL, DEPT GENET & BIOMETRY, LONDON NW1 2HE, ENGLAND
关键词
FLUCTUATING ASYMMETRY; HETEROZYGOSITY; RELIABLE SIGNALING; SEXUAL SELECTION; STRESS;
D O I
10.1007/BF02424520
中图分类号
Q3 [遗传学];
学科分类号
071007 ; 090102 ;
摘要
Fluctuating asymmetry occurs when an individual is unable to undergo identical development on both sides of a bilaterally symmetrical trait. Fluctuating asymmetry measures the sensitivity of development to a wide array of genetic and environmental stresses. We propose that fluctuating asymmetry is used in many signalling contexts for assessment of an individual's ability to cope with its environment. We hypothesize that fluctuating asymmetry is used in sexual selection, both in fighting, and mate choice, and in competition for access to resources. Evidence is reviewed showing that the patterns of fluctuating asymmetry in secondary sexual characters differ from those seen in other morphological traits. Secondary sexual characters show much higher levels of fluctuating asymmetry. Also, there is often a negative relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and the absolute size of ornaments, whereas the relationship is typically U-shaped in other morphological traits. The common negative relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and ornament size suggests that many ornaments reliably reflect individual quality.
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页码:267 / 279
页数:13
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