Is Fluctuating Asymmetry a Reliable Biomonitor of Stress? A Test Using Life History Parameters in Soybean

Anne, Premchand; Mawri, F.; Gladstone, S.; Freeman, D. Carl

doi:10.1086/297573

Cited by 40 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Excess nutrients can simultaneously increase both growth and asymmetry [212,22,213,214], and growth and mortality [215]. Saline solutions, on the other hand, can stop plant growth completely, with no increase in fluctuating asymmetry [216,207,22].…”

Section: Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fluctuating Asymmetry: Methods, Theory, and Applications

et al. 2010

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Fluctuating asymmetry consists of random deviations from perfect symmetry in populations of organisms. It is a measure of developmental noise, which reflects a population's average state of adaptation and coadaptation. Moreover, it increases under both environmental and genetic stress, though responses are often inconsistent. Researchers base studies of fluctuating asymmetry upon deviations from bilateral, radial, rotational, dihedral, translational, helical, and fractal symmetries. Here, we review old and new methods of measuring fluctuating asymmetry, including measures of dispersion, landmark methods for shape asymmetry, and continuous symmetry measures. We also review the theory, developmental origins, and applications of fluctuating asymmetry, and attempt to explain conflicting results. In the process, we present examples from the literature, and from our own research at "Evolution Canyon" and elsewhere.

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Section: Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fluctuating Asymmetry: Methods, Theory, and Applications

et al. 2010

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“…The parameter k represents the starting conditions of shoot enlargement (length of the first internode), a represents the exponential growth, and b represents the inhibition process of growth. This relation has been used to calculate developmental instability in several plant species (Alados et al 1994(Alados et al , 1998a(Alados et al , 1998b(Alados et al , 1999Escó s et al 1995Escó s et al , 1997Sherry and Lord 1996;Anne et al 1998). This equation has two parts.…”

Section: Translational Symmetrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Human–landscape interactions in the Conquezuela–Ambrona Valley (Soria, continental Iberia): From the early Neolithic land use to the origin of the current oak woodland

Aranbarri

González-Sampériz

Iriarte

et al. 2015

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

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We investigated the sensitivity of developmental instability measurements (leaf fluctuating asymmetry, floral radial asymmetry, and shoot translational asymmetry) to a long-standing natural stress (grazing) in a palatable tannin-producing shrub (Periploca laevigata Aiton). We also assessed the relationship between these measures of developmental instability and fitness components (growth and floral production). Developmental instability, measured by translational asymmetry, was the most accurate estimator of a plant's condition and, consequently, environmental stress. Plants with less translational asymmetry grew more and produced more flowers. Plants from the medium-grazed population were developmentally more stable, as estimated by translational and floral asymmetry, than either more heavily or more lightly grazed populations. Leaf fluctuating asymmetry was positively correlated with tannin concentration. The pattern of internode growth also responded to grazing impact. Plants under medium to heavy grazing pressure accelerated early growth and consequently escaped herbivory later in the season, i.e., at the beginning of the spring, when grazing activity was concentrated in herbaceous plants. Periploca laevigata accelerated growth and finished growing sooner than in the other grazing treatment. Thus, its annual growth was more mature and less palatable later in the season when grazers typically concentrate on shrubs. The reduction of developmental instability under medium grazing is interpreted as a direct effect of grazing and not as the release from competition.

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“…Another morphological characteristic that can be used for assessing stress is fluctuating asymmetry (FA). FA represents the random deviations from perfect symmetry and usually increases under stressful conditions (Tracy et al 1995;Kozlov et al 1996;Anne et al 1998;Hosken et al 2000;Lens et al 2000;Lens et al 2002;Mal et al 2002;Tan-Kristanto et al 2003). By its nature FA represents random component of phenotypic variance standing on equal footing with genotypic and environmental components (Lajus et al, 2003).…”

Section: Zostera Capricorni Aschers In a Gradient Of Heavy Metals 101mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By its nature FA represents random component of phenotypic variance standing on equal footing with genotypic and environmental components (Lajus et al, 2003). Fluctuating asymmetry has been proposed as a tool for monitoring the quality of the environment and is being considered as a sensitive monitor of stress (Tracy et al 1995;Anne et al 1998;Leung et al 2003). It has been claimed to be impacted at concentrations less than those required to impact life history features (Anne et al, 1998;Hoffmann and Woods 2003).…”

Section: Zostera Capricorni Aschers In a Gradient Of Heavy Metals 101mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Fluctuating asymmetry has been proposed as a tool for monitoring the quality of the environment and is being considered as a sensitive monitor of stress (Tracy et al 1995;Anne et al 1998;Leung et al 2003). It has been claimed to be impacted at concentrations less than those required to impact life history features (Anne et al, 1998;Hoffmann and Woods 2003). Moreover, this technique has been recommended because it is biologically relevant, non-destructive, and time-and cost-effective (Tracy et al 1995).…”

Section: Zostera Capricorni Aschers In a Gradient Of Heavy Metals 101mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Translational Fluctuating Asymmetry and Leaf Dimension in Seagrass,Zostera capricorniAschers in a Gradient of Heavy Metals

Ambo‐Rappe

Lajus

Schreider

2007

Environmental Bioindicators

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Is Fluctuating Asymmetry a Reliable Biomonitor of Stress? A Test Using Life History Parameters in Soybean

Cited by 40 publications

References 29 publications

Fluctuating Asymmetry: Methods, Theory, and Applications

Fluctuating Asymmetry: Methods, Theory, and Applications

Human–landscape interactions in the Conquezuela–Ambrona Valley (Soria, continental Iberia): From the early Neolithic land use to the origin of the current oak woodland

Translational Fluctuating Asymmetry and Leaf Dimension in Seagrass,Zostera capricorniAschers in a Gradient of Heavy Metals

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