[Comparison of two kinds of functional asymmetry in the roach Rutilus rutilus (teleostei: cyprinidae)]

In the higher vertebrates, asymmetries of different functions of individual are poorly connected with each other. At present it is unknown whether this poor link is a secondary phenomenon or it is characteristic of different kinds of functional asymmetry already at early stages of vertebrate evolution. In connection with this problem, in the roach Rutilus rutilus we studied asymmetry of two behavioral reactions--movements in an annular corridor and of the C-shaped body bending at a sudden action of electrical stimulus. Different individuals prefer a certain direction of movement in the corridor (to the right or to the left). Comparison of these two kinds of asymmetry in the same individuals has shown the absence of significant association between asymmetries of different reactions. The obtained data indicate that already in the lower vertebrates, different kinds of functional asymmetry are controlled by different mechanisms and are poorly associated with each other.