title: Temporal variation of allele frequencies in populations of Akodon dolores (Rodentia, Cricetidae).
abstract: Six population samples of the South American cricetid rodent Akodon dolores were collected at the same site at six-month intervals over a three year period. Changes in density were detected. Seven out of 18 loci analyzed by means of starch gel electrophoresis were polymorphic. Only two of these loci (Est-4 and G6pdh) showed statistically significant variation in allele frequencies following a seasonal pattern. There was no correlation between allele frequencies and population density. When animals were grouped into two classes according to body weight, a clear difference in allele distribution at the Est-4 and G6pdh loci was observed between individuals 39 g or less and those heavier than 39 g. As the first group comprises predominantly younger animals, the data indicate that changes in the age-structure of population, rather than density variations, are responsible for the cyclic pattern of allele frequencies fluctuations.
authors.affiliation: Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, 5016, Córdoba, Argentina.
authors.forename: L I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Apfelbaum
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Blanco