Phenetic Variation and Habitat Differences in Gasterosteus Populations of the Queen Charlotte Islands

Abstract

Moodie, G. E. E., and T. E. Reimchen (Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 2E9, Canada) 1976. Phenetic variation and habitat differences in Gasterosteus populations of the Queen Charlotte Islands. Syst. Zool. 25:49–61.—Lateral plate polymorphism and asymmetry, gill raker number and asymmetry, body size and certain other traits were compared in 25 Gasterosteus aculeatus populations. Fluctuating asymmetry and mean number of lateral plates as well as body size and proportions were correlated with the presence of predatory fish. In the absence of other fish species, gill raker number was correlated with lake area. Fluctuating asymmetry of the lateral plates and gill rakers did not appear to decrease with age; in three populations the converse occurred. Directional asymmetry was present in six populations. Fluctuating asymmetry in these populations does not seem to conform well to current concepts concerning developmental stability and asymmetry.