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Title
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Fluctuating assymetry as an indicator of stress : paradigm or conservation tool?
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Author
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Abstract
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| lndividual and population levels of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) often correlate positively with estimates of environmental and genetic stress. These relationships have promoted the widely-held belief that organisms with enhanced FA levels may act as sensitive biomonitors in natural populations under threat. However, a number of recent papers have challenged this concept by revealing major inconsistencies in the reported asymmetry-stress association. By reviewing published results from our study of patterns of bilateral trait asymmetry in seven Kenyan bird species, we test three hypotheses critical to the use of FA as stress monitor. Given the highly congruent findings across species and traits, we conclude that population FA-if accurately measured and analysed-can function as a valuable tool in conservation. We further discuss three potential causes for some of the inconsistencies reported in the literature. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Ostrich: journal of the Southern African Ornithological Society. - Johannesburg
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Publication
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Johannesburg
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2001
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ISSN
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0030-6525
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Volume/pages
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15
(2001)
, p. 44-47
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ISI
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000171793700009
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