Effect of captivity on morphology: negligible changes in external morphology mask significant changes in internal morphology.

ABSTRACT: Captive breeding programmes are increasingly relied upon for threatened species management. Changes in morphology can occur in captivity, often with unknown consequences for reintroductions. Few studies have examined the morphological changes that occur in captive animals compared with wild animals. Further, the effect of multiple generations being maintained in captivity, and the potential effects of captivity on sexual dimorphism remain poorly understood. We compared external and internal morphology of captive and wild animals using house mouse (Mus musculus) as a model species. In addition, we looked at morphology across two captive generations, and compared morphology between sexes. We found no statistically significant differences in external morphology, but after one generatio

SUBMITTER: Courtney Jones SK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5990819 | biostudies-literature | 2018 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature