Geographic variation in size, growth, and sexual dimorphism of Alaska brown bears, Ursus arctos

摘要: Abstract We modeled the growth in skull size of brown bears (Ursus arctos) using 11,651 individuals across 6 regions Alaska with von Bertalanffy function. The study areas varied greatly habitat types and included coastal south-central Alaska, interior regions, most northern reaches species' North American range. top-ranking model supported region- sex-specific curves. large differences parameter estimates asymptotic coefficient were likely influenced by variation quality, especially availability salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), these relate to other known life-history traits. Contrary studies bears, we found a strong hyperallometric relationship sexual dimorphism (SSD) where SSD increased size. This supports selection as driving mechanism bears. However, variable intensity selectio...