Variation in fluctuating asymmetry among nine damselfly species.

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), measured as random deviations from bilateral symmetry, likely results from developmental disturbances by internal or environmental stresses. However, comparisons of FA in single damselfly species (Odonata: suborder Zygoptera) from stressed environments have often been inconclusive. We measured levels of FA among multiple species of damselflies from the same environment to determine the relative roles of environmental stress and species specific developmental instability. Damselflies of nine species were collected from a central Texas wetland. Calculations of their FA were based on cell counts of four venation patterns in fore and hind wings. Significant FA of venation occurred in both sexes, both wing positions, and in each of four venation patterns of all nine species. Levels of FA were not significantly different between sexes or between wing positions for any of the nine species. However, FA varied significantly among the four venation patterns. Patterns with lowest mean cell counts had significantly higher FA than the other patterns, despite scaling to remove size bias. More broadly, a three-fold difference in overall FA occurred among the nine species and was not correlated with species mean weight or abdomen length. The wide range of FA levels among multiple species in the same environment casts doubt on the effective use of FA of a single species to indicate of environmental stress. Future research must examine the relative roles of species-specific predispositions for FA from internal genetic stresses as well as external stressors.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Stewart, Sherry S.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Vodopich, Darrell S.

• Fluctuating asymmetry.
• Damselfly.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/8469

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/8469