Home – Home – Jornals – Contemporary Problems of Ecology 2002 number 6

On the example of voles Microtus gregalis and Arvicola terrestris, the change of magnitude of sex differences in the size and shape of skull in natural populations differing in geographical location and the numbers has been demonstrated. Fluctuations of sex differences are associated with morphological variability in both sexes. It is supposed that the variability of the magnitude of the sexual dimorphism is based on unequal morphogenetic reaction of males and females to the acting factor. This is confirmed in experiments on the American mink where it was demonstrated that the same vector of selection (for behavior) can bring about both common and oppositely directed morphological effects in males and females.