Open AccessSexual segregation in North American elk: the role of density dependence
Author(s) -
Stewart Kelley M.,
Walsh Danielle R.,
Kie John G.,
Dick Brian L.,
Bowyer R. Terry
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.1397
Subject(s) - intraspecific competition , density dependence , sexual selection , population density , selection (genetic algorithm) , population , biology , competition (biology) , demography , ecology , artificial intelligence , sociology , computer science
We investigated how density‐dependent processes and subsequent variation in nutritional condition of individuals influenced both timing and duration of sexual segregation and selection of resources. During 1999–2001, we experimentally created two population densities of North American elk ( Cervus elaphus ), a high‐density population at 20 elk/km 2 , and a low‐density population at 4 elk/km 2 to test hypotheses relative to timing and duration of sexual segregation and variation in selection of resources. We used multi‐response permutation procedures to investigate patterns of sexual segregation, and resource selection functions to document differences in selection of resources by individuals in high‐ and low‐density populations during sexual segregation and aggregation. The duration of sexual segregation was 2 months longer in the high‐density population and likely was influenced by individuals in poorer nutritional condition, which corresponded with later conception and parturition, than at low density. Males and females in the high‐density population overlapped in selection of resources to a greater extent than in the low‐density population, probably resulting from density‐dependent effects of increased intraspecific competition and lower availability of resources.