INTERPOPULATION VARIATION IN DARTER OOCYTE PRODUCTION

Interpopulation variation in oocyte production of darter species from three tributaries of the Allegheny River system was examined. Signific ant differences across localities for numerous darter species were ide ntified. Several potential biotic and abiotic ecosystem attributes suc h as competition and water quality constituents differed across the st udy sites and may influence oocyte production. This study demonstrates the importance of including several populations in life history studi es in order to describe the intraspecific range of oocyte production.