GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PREFLEDGING CANADA GEESE AND LESSER SNOW GEESE: ECOLOGICAL ADAPTATION OR PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSTRAINT?

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Abstract Neonate, gosling, and adult Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) and Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) were collected to evaluate if growth rates and developmental patterns differed interspecifically and to determine if such differences were better explained by physiology of the growth process or by ecological conditions historically experienced by those two species. Patterns of growth and development of Canada and Lesser Snow goose goslings were similar to those reported for other Arctic geese, but differences in relative growth rates and developmental patterns of external structures, digestive organs, and skeletal muscles were observed between these two species. As compared to Canada Geese, body parts associated with locomotion and acquisition or processing of food generally increased at relatively faster rates and were more developed relative to adult size in Lesser Snow Geese. Relative rates of increase for carcass protein and body mass in these two species did not suppo...