Life on the edge: carnivore body size variation is all over the place

摘要: Evolutionary biologists have long been fascinated by both the ways in which species respond to ecological conditions at edges of their geographic ranges and way that species' body sizes evolve across ranges. Surprisingly, though, relationship between these two phenomena is rarely studied. Here, we examine whether carnivore size changes from interior range towards edges. We find within species, often varies strongly with distance edge. However, there no general tendency for be either larger or smaller There some evidence smallest guild members increase edges, but results largest are equivocal. Whether individuals vary relation depends on edge defined. Neither nor absolute influences Therefore, suggest frequent significant association position along edge-core continuum reflects prevalence variation per se does not influence evolution a consistent way.