Data from: Harvest-induced phenotypic selection in an island population of moose, Alces alces

• Main Authors: Kvalnes, Thomas, Sæther, Bernt-Erik, Haanes, Hallvard, Røed, Knut H., Engen, Steinar, Solberg, Erling J., Saether, Bernt-Erik
• Format: Dataset
• Language: unknown
• Published: Dryad 2021
• Subjects: ungulate; reproductive value; age structure; Alces alces; microevolution; animal model; Northern Europe; Norway; Vega; Life sciences; medicine and health care; envir; demo
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.k3234

Empirical evidence strongly indicates that human exploitation has frequently led to rapid evolutionary changes in wild populations, yet the mechanisms involved are often poorly understood. Here we applied a recently developed demographic framework for analysing selection to data from a 20-year study of a wild population of moose, Alces alces. In this population, a genetic pedigree has been established all the way back to founders. We demonstrate harvest-induced directional selection for delayed birth dates in males and reduced body mass as calf in females. During the study period, birth date was delayed by 0.81 days per year for both sexes, while no significant changes occurred in calf body mass. Quantitative genetic analyses indicated that both traits harboured significant additive genetic variance. These results show that selective harvesting can induce strong selection which oppose natural selection. This may cause evolution of less favourable phenotypes that become maladaptive once harvesting ceases. Moose data with annual individual recordsAnnual records of individual moose (alces alces) survival and reproduction for the years years 2000-2011. Contact the authors for further information.moose_data_annual_records_2000-2011.txtMoose data with phenotypes by cohortData on bodymass (1 year old) and birth date for individual moose (Alces alces) born in the years 1991-2010. Contact the authors for further information.moose_data_cohort_1992-2011.txtMoose data with informative pedigreeA pedigree for moose (Alces alces) informative with respect to individuals measured for body mass (1 year old) and birth date in the cohorts 1991-2010. Contact the authors for further information.moose_data_informative_pedigree_1992-2011.txt