Fluctuating asymmetry in antlers of fallow deer (Dama dama): the relative roles of environmental stress and sexual selection

• Published in: Biological journal of the Linnean Society Vol. 70; no. 1; pp. 27 - 36
• Main Authors: PUTMAN, R.J, SULLIVAN, M.S, LANGBEIN, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.05.2000
• Subjects: animal age; animals; antlers; body weight; Cervus dama; faUow deer; fluctuating asymmetry; males; population density; sexual selection
• ISSN: 0024-4066; 1095-8312
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2000.tb00199.x

Antler lengths were recorded of a total of 250 male fallow deer (Dama dama (L)). Animals sampled were from marked populations where the majority of individuals were of known age. Asymmetry in antler length was normally distributed with a mean not significantly different from zero, confirming that differences in length between the antler pair constitute a true fluctuating asymmetry (FA). We found no clear relationship between the degree of asymmetry in antler length of an individual male and either population density or actual body mass. We did, however, detect a significant relationship between asymmetry and deviation from maximum cohort bodyweight. If deviation from maximum weight within a cohort may be considered some index of competitive success or increasing environmental stress, this may suggest that asymmetry in antler length relates in some way to developmental stress suffered by the individual concerned. The degree of asymmetry recorded in antler length also showed a significant decline with animal age, with antlers of animals of 2 years or older showing significantly greater symmetry. This is consistent with a hypothesis that despite continued competition for resources, there is a changing balance of selection pressure as animals reach maturity, with increased pressure from sexual selection requiring males to produce significantly more symmetrical ornaments.