Fluctuating asymmetry in antlers of Alaskan moose: Size matters

We studied characteristics of paired antlers, including types of asymmetry, from 1,501 Alaskan moose (Alces alces gigas). We observed no evidence of a ntisymmetry in moose antlers, but number of tines was greater on left than right antlers, indicating directional asymmetry. Absolute and relative fluc tuating asymmetry (FA) occurred for palm characteristics but not for beam c ircumference. Relative FA varied inversely with the overall size of antlers for attributes of the palm, which was expected for a secondary sexual char acteristic. Smaller-antlered males exhibited greater FA than did larger-ant lered moose in palm characteristics. Because large-antlered males, which ma te most often among moose and other polygynous cervids, expressed the least relative FA, we hypothesize that this metric indicates quality of individu al moose. Whether symmetry of antlers is related to antler breakage or hone st advertisement or whether females select mates based on FA is unknown and deserves additional study.