| Autor: |
Brian C. Peterson, Patrick D. Farrell, Casey W. Schoenebeck |
| Jazyk: |
angličtina |
| Rok vydání: |
2024 |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Symmetry, Vol 16, Iss 10, p 1301 (2024) |
| Druh dokumentu: |
article |
| ISSN: |
2073-8994 |
| DOI: |
10.3390/sym16101301 |
| Popis: |
Antlers are genetically coded to have bilateral symmetry. However, environmental stressors cause asymmetries between antlers. Previous studies have investigated fluctuating asymmetries on harvested white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann, 1780). Cast antlers provide underutilized metrics that are not available prior to shedding. The objectives of this study were to quantify relative fluctuating asymmetry (RFA) between age groups and identify the best age-specific pre- and post-cast antler metrics to confirm an antler pair. We hypothesized lower RFA values for post-cast measurements than pre-cast measurements due to a lessened chance for damage when atop the head. Additionally, younger individuals were hypothesized to have higher RFA values due to greater susceptibility to environmental stressors. Cast antler pairs from 196 white-tailed deer were collected in Nebraska. We measured 14 available antler metrics per cast antler side classified by age group. The most symmetric measurements between antler sides included pedicle seal area, main beam length, and circumference. Antlers of older deer were consistently more symmetric than younger deer. When combining the top metrics and testing against random antler pairs, we found an 81.9–92.3% match rate for 1.5 and ≥2.5-year-olds, respectively. Our findings provided a quantifiable method to assign antler pair classifications more confidently while documenting decreased symmetry in younger individuals. |
| Databáze: |
Directory of Open Access Journals |
| Externí odkaz: |
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