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GENETIC VARIATION AND JUVENILE SURVIVAL IN RED DEER
J M Pemberton1, S D Albon2, F E Guinness2
1Department of Zoology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K.
Summary
Genetic variation in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) calves influences survival to two years. Specific gene loci (Mpi, Idh-2, Trf) show significant associations with juvenile survival, with sex-specific effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Population genetics
- Wildlife ecology
- Evolutionary biology
Background:
- Understanding factors influencing juvenile survival is crucial for wildlife population management.
- Electrophoretic variation can reveal genetic markers associated with fitness traits in wild populations.
- Red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) on the Scottish island of Rhum provide a model system for studying survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between electrophoretic variation at three polymorphic loci (Mpi, Idh-2, Trf) and juvenile survival in red deer calves.
- To determine if phenotypic factors (birth weight, birth date, study area subdivision, cohort, sex) influence calf survival.
- To analyze sex-specific genetic effects on survival.
Main Methods:
- Survival analysis of red deer calves to two years of age using logistic analysis.
- Examination of electrophoretic variation at three polymorphic loci: Mpi, Idh-2, and Trf.
- Inclusion of phenotypic factors (birth weight, birth date, study area, cohort, sex) in the survival model.
Main Results:
- All three polymorphic loci (Mpi, Idh-2, Trf) are significantly associated with juvenile survival.
- Selection against the Mpi allele 'f' was observed, with a stronger effect in females.
- Heterozygote advantage at Idh-2 and Trf was noted, with significant sex-specific differences in Idh-2 survival.
- A detrimental interaction between Mpi and Idh-2 genotypes was found, severely reducing survival for specific combinations.
- Adult genotype frequencies reflect calf survival patterns, with reduced Mpi 'f' frequency in later cohorts.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variation at Mpi, Idh-2, and Trf loci plays a significant role in red deer calf survival.
- Sex-specific genetic influences on survival highlight the complexity of evolutionary processes in this population.
- Observed genotype frequency changes in adults support the selective pressures identified during juvenile survival analysis.
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