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- Title
Fluctuating asymmetry indicates level of competition in an even-agedpoplar clone
- Authors
Getty, T.; Corbett, A. L.; Fuller, R. C.; Rettig, J. E.
- Abstract
Fluctuating asymmetries are small random deviations from perfect bilateral symmetry that result from imperfect regulation or development.Recently, fluctuating asymmetry has been suggested as a tool for monitoring levels of ecological stress within and between populations. Unfortunately, such comparisons of fluctuating asymmetry may be confounded by genetic or age differences among environments. In this study we use a genetically controlled field experiment to determine differences in fluctuating asymmetry due solely to different competitive regimes. We determined fluctuating asymmetry in poplar leaf shape for leaves taken from an even-aged clone grown in six different competitiveregimes. We show that increases in intra. and interspecific competition increase fluctuating asymmetry in the leaves of this clone. This supports the use of fluctuating asymmetry as a tool for detecting common environmental stresses such as competition.
- Subjects
COMPETITION (Biology); SYMMETRY
- Publication
Oikos, 1997, Vol 80, Issue 1, p123
- ISSN
0030-1299
- Publication type
Article