Abstract
Extra-large body size in microtine rodents is a ubiquitous feature of peak population densities, and it has been hypothesized that these giant individuals represent a genetically based morphotype that has high fitness under increasing and high densities, and may represent a key element of a genetic polymorphism driving multi-annual cycles (Chitty/Krebs model). We examine this large-size phenomenon (Chitty Effect) in the California vole utilizing three approaches : analyzing the weight distribution in a non-cyclic population over a 13 yr period with comparisons to cyclic populations, analyzing body composition, especially fat content, as a function of body size, and observing the microhabitat distribution of extra-large males in two populations, one of which cycles
Published Version
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