EFFECTS OF X-IRRADIATION ON A NATURAL POPULATION OF THE WOOD-MOUSE (PEROMYSCUS LEUCOPUS)

Journal Article · Mon Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1959 · Texas J. Sci.

OSTI ID:4162290

Blair, W F; Kennerly, Jr, T E

An attempt was made to upset the equilibrium between selection pressure and mutation pressure through irradiation of sexually mature male woodmice (Peromyscus leucopus). A population was studied through the use of nest boxes. Following two years of observation gonadal X-ray dosage of 700 r was commenced and continued for a five-year period. Population dynamics of this species were pertinent to the methods used and the results obtained and agreed generally with studies of other species of this genus. Dispersal distance in short and replenishment of the study population through immigration is regarded as slight. High population turnover and shont life span indicate high environmental pressure. Mated pairs are relatively permanent during the breeding season which occurs in winter in the region studied. The wood-mice indicated a preference for tree bcxes over ground boxes. Principal irradiation effects were reduction in litter size and reduction in population numbers. Both are attributed to radiation- induced lethal mutations. The critical mutation rate is thought to have been approached. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas, Austin
• NSA Number: NSA-14-022792
• OSTI ID: 4162290
• Journal Information: Texas J. Sci., Journal Name: Texas J. Sci. Vol. Vol: 11
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AGE
ANIMALS
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
ENVIRONMENT
GENETICS
GEOPHYSICS
GONADS
IRRADIATION
LETHAL DOSE
MICE
MUTATIONS
PEROMYSCUS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
REPRODUCTION
RODENTS
SEASONS
VARIATIONS
X RADIATION