Moose antler morphology and asymmetry on Isle Royale National Park.

摘要: Isle Royale National Park, an island archipelago in Lake Superior, supports moose at higher density (1–4/km 2 ) relative to most other North American sites. We compared antler size and asymmetry measurements from that died of natural causes available for regional populations published literature. used these comparisons test predictions antlers would be smaller more asymmetric than due the high population resulting ecological conditions on Royale. Moose follow same patterns development as elsewhere, reaching maximum 7–8 years age with slight declines after 10–12. However, develop are much all measured subpopulations. Antler was comparable Scandinavia where exist comparably density. Boone Crockett score, which is commonly compare size, performed poorly ranking individuals large suggesting biologically relevant measures such volume should considered size. Pedicle constriction found a reliable indicator senescence among old bulls. negatively related extreme Alaskan moose. had no detectable effect degree asymmetry. In general, bull smaller, subpopulations lower density, consistent hypothesis qualities nutrient limitation caused by Results, however, may also reflect genetic differences artifacts sampling.