Fluctuating Asymmetry: A Technique for Measuring Developmental Stress Caused by Inbreeding

Authors:
  • GCGm Clarke
    Gm Clarke
  • GBGw Brand
    Gw Brand
  • MWMj Whitten
    Mj Whitten
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Abstract
Fluctuating asymmetry has sometimes been employed to indicate disruption of developmental homeostasis. Such disruption is thought to be a result of increased developmental stress. In this study we examine the relationship between fluctuating asymmetry and inbreeding level in two differing breeding systems: the marine harpacticoid copepod Tisbe holothuriae, a typically outbreeding diploid, and the common honeybee Apis melli/era, which is haplo-diploid. Inbreeding has previously been shown to constitute a developmental stress in populations of T. holothuriae, but the same is yet to be conclusively shown in A. melli/era.