title: Fluctuating asymmetry in relation to indices of quality and fitness in the damselfly, Enallagmaebrium (Hagen).
abstract: Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) refers to random deviations from symmetry of otherwise bilaterally symmetric traits. Researchers have hypothesized that FA should be inversely related to individual quality or fitness. In this study, we tested for FA-quality and FA-fitness relations in the damselfly, Enallagmaebrium (Hagen). We used wet mass of an individual as a measure of its quality and longevity as a measure of its fitness. Contrary to predictions, we found no relation between FA and quality or fitness, even after we controlled for possible confounding factors, such as measurement error and inadequate sample size.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, KlS 5B6, Canada fax: (613) 520-4497; e-mail: bleung@ccs.carleton.ca, , , , , , CA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, KlS 5B6, Canada fax: (613) 520-4497; e-mail: bleung@ccs.carleton.ca, , , , , , CA.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Forbes
keywords: Key wordsDamselflies; Longevity;  Ectoparasitic mites ;  Measurement error;   Fluctuating asymmetry