Developmental stability and skull lesions in the harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) in the 19th and 20th centuries

摘要: Developmental stability in the Kattegat population of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) was assessed to determine whether reduced developmental occurred prior epizootic 1988 and possibly predicted high mortality. As a measure develop mental fractal dimension paired maxillo palatinae suture calcu lated degree fluctuating asymmetry teeth, foramina estimated 361 skulls. Moreover prevalence three pathological changes skull investigated. Reduced higher patho logical were associated with dramatic increase pollution after World War II. epizootic, although young seals bom levels started decrease tended be developmentally more stable. No relationship found between stability.