Sub-antarctic House mice: colonization, survival and selection

摘要: House mice have colonized and survived successfully on a number of Sub-Antarctic islands, where the mean annual temperature is only about 5°C, but there little seasonal fluctuation in climate. Surprisingly this allows almost continuous breeding. On at least two islands (Macquarie Marion), are significant changes gene frequency electro-phoretically detected enzymes between young (less than three months age) old animals from same population. This indicates natural selection acting opposite directions different stages life cycle. However genetical compositions Macquarie Marion populations more distinct each other either most British samples. means that detailed studies mouse likely to reveal much local adaptation, while comparison responses may lead important generalisations possible reaction evolutionary challenges species living close its physiological limit.