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Developmental stability and fitness: a review
1Laboratoire d'Ecologie, CNRS URA 258, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Bat. A, 7ème étage, 7 quai St. Bernard, Case 237, F-75252 Paris Cedex 5, France.
The American Naturalist
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Developmental instability, measured as fluctuating asymmetry, negatively impacts fitness. Symmetrical individuals exhibit enhanced growth, reproduction, and survival compared to asymmetrical ones.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Developmental biology
- Ecology
Background:
- Developmental stability is crucial for organisms adapting to environmental changes.
- Developmental instability, quantified by fluctuating asymmetry or phenodeviance, has been theoretically linked to reduced fitness.
- This link, however, remained largely untested in scientific literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between developmental instability and fitness components.
- To determine if a general negative correlation exists between developmental instability and an organism's success.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Existing studies on developmental instability and fitness components (growth, fecundity, longevity) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A consistent negative relationship between developmental instability and fitness was observed across studies.
- Symmetrical individuals generally demonstrate superior growth, higher fecundity, and improved survival rates.
- Asymmetrical individuals face increased risks of predation and parasitism, and possess lower competitive abilities.
Conclusions:
- The assumption of a negative relationship between developmental instability and fitness is supported by current evidence.
- Developmental stability is a significant factor influencing individual fitness, with implications for population dynamics.
- The observed effects can be direct or indirect, mediated by factors like predation and competition.
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