A paleozoological perspective on white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texana) population density and body size in central Texas.
Environ Manage
; 39(4): 545-52, 2007 Apr.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17318696
ABSTRACT
Archaeological and paleontological datasets are used in conservation to add time-depth to ecology. In central Texas, several top carnivores including prehistoric Native American hunters have been extirpated or have had their historic ranges restricted, which has resulted in pest-level white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus texana) populations in some areas. Differences in body size of deer between prehistory and modernity are expected, given that a lack of predation likely has increased intraspecific competition for forage among deer, resulting in smaller body size today. In fact, modern deer from settings without harvest pressure are significantly smaller than those from harvested areas and from prehistoric deer. From a natural history perspective, this research highlights potential evolutionary causes and effects of top-predator removal on deer populations and related components of biological communities in central Texas.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Ciervos
/
Astrágalo
Límite:
Animals
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Environ Manage
Año:
2007
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos