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Epigenetic variation in a fluctuating population of lemming ( Lemmus lemmus ) in Norway
Author(s) -
Andersen Trond,
Wiig øystein
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/jzo.1982.197.3.391
Subject(s) - biology , population , biological dispersal , zoology , evolutionary biology , demography , sociology
Epigenetic polymorphism in the Norway lemming was studied in material collected at four localities in the Finse area in SW. Norway in 1973–74 and in 1977. A total of 266 specimens were scored for 33 non‐metric traits on the skull, mandibula, scapula and pelvis. Temporally succeeding samples from increase and peak phase showed that the genetic constitution of the population changed during the density cycle; the most rapid change took place immediately before the crash. The genetic constitution of the population remained within the same range from one cycle to the next, giving the impression that genetic drift is of minor significance. Samples taken at different localities during the late increase phase, showed that the variants were nearly uniformly distributed in the Finse area, indicating a high dispersal rate. The variation in the bilateral traits seemed to decrease with increasing population density, presumably as a result of stabilizing selection. The value of epigenetic polymorphism as a reflection of change in behavioural traits is discussed.