Abstract
In this note I discuss Sandell's (1984) hypothesis suggesting that the direct implantation of fertilized eggs in the weasel (Mustela nivalis), and the delayed implantation in the stoat (M. erminea), are maintained because they confer adaptive advantages for the two species in the different ecological conditions in which they live. The stoat has 6-13 young once a year, and the weasel 4-8 young once or twice a year. Sandell suggests that these differences reflect different selective pressure on the two species (favouring early littering in stoats and high rmax in weasels) and are permitted by the broader, more stable food supply of stoats compared with that of weasels. Both predators eat large numbers of voles when available; but during vole declines and lows, stoats are better able to turn to other prey species.
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