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PRINT: ISSN 2221-1896
ONLINE : ISSN 2223-0343
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Is sexual size dimorphism similar irrespective of
the origin of the goose breed? |
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P.M. Parés-Casanova
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Department of Animal
Production; University of Lleida Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 19125198 Lleida (Catalunya,
Spain)
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Abstract |
Sexual dimorphism, defined as a phenotypic difference between males and
females of a particular species, is a common phenomenon in animals.
Rensch’s rule describes the pattern of sexual size
dimorphism (SSD) and claims that
larger species generally exhibit higher male to female body size ratios.
Domesticated animals offer excellent opportunities for testing
predictions of functional explanations of Rensch’s theory.
In this paper,
predictions were tested in geese by evaluating
SSD in 70 breeds of domestic geese from different
geographic origins (34 from Asian origin and 36 from European origin)
which were compared to their wild relatives (genus
Anser, 12 species). The data indicated that the body mass of
different goose breeds were consistent with the Rensch’s rule, where the
allometry of SSD was significantly positive. Second, despite varying
selective forces, scaling of SSD with body mass did not diverge
according to breed origins (Anser
anser and A. cygnoides
groups).
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Keywords:
Anser anser; Anser cygnoides;
Anserinae; domestication;
sexual size dimorphism |
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To cite this article:
Parés-Casanova PM, 2013.
Is sexual size dimorphism similar irrespective of the origin of the goose
breed?.
Res.
Opin. Anim. Vet. Sci., 3(12), 470-473. |
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