Biochemical variation in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.): are r-strategists among deer genetically less variable than K-strategists?

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Tissue samples from 161 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) from 5 populations in Austria were screened for allelic variation at 41 presumptive genetic loci by means of horizontal starch gel electrophoresis. The proportion of polymorphic loci ranged from 146 per cent to 195 per cent, the values for expected average heterozygosity from 35 per cent to 79 per cent. These values are among the highest ones yet found among deer species. The relationship between biochemical genetic variation, body size and ecological strategy of adaptation is discussed.