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PRocEEDtr.Gs oFT}E DESERT FIsIss couNctr., 1995 syrYrPosIUM VoLr ,c)OfVII - RrBusrsD 1996

Year: 1995 (xxvii)

Abstract

Populations of .Gambusia afinis &ffer substantially in predation on newborns, birth weight, andinterbrood interval. Poprrlations of G. geiseri also differ significantly, but to a lesser degree, in the same threefactors. Populations of G. nobilis &ffer in predation “t a UirO weight. These factJrs are not concordantamong species and localities; thus these variations are genetig not environmental. Overall, G. afink islesspredaceous, has less heavy young, and has shorter interbrood intervals than G. nobilis, at d b. geiseri isintermediate’ However, the factors can be reversed by choosing extreme populations. Data are availableon interbrood intervals for six species; they range from long to sliort by G. noiil*, G. heterochir, G. gaigei, G.geiseri, G. speciua, and G. ffi”i“. ln the ” r“qn r,ce, birth-weights vary from heavy to light “rrd p”r“Ltio., late1 vary from maior to less. However, intraspecific variation is not correlated. .*ong these factors.Predation susceptibilityvaries similarlywith the heavier newborn being less likely to belaten than thelighter neqfurns. However, predation on the relatively heavy but less active Poealiayoung is the geatestof all. !

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