Category:
Research Papers
Sub-Category:
Biology / Medicine
Date Published:
December 2, 2017
Keywords:
white squirrel, evolution
Abstract:
The white squirrels’ (Sciurus carolinensis) causes of success in a preditory
environment and causes of the apparent population equilibrium with
gray squirrels are mysteries. White squirrels of Brevard, NC are thought
to be a color variant of the Eastern gray squirrels. White and gray squirrels
were observed from 2001 to May 2010. The squirrel population in the
observation area has changed from predominantly gray to predominantly
white. The observations suggest white squirrels have many physical and
culture characteristics that differ from gray squirrels. These characteristics
favor white squirrels over gray in a substantial feral and stray cat (Felis
catus) predation and human environment. That Brevard white squirrels
may be at an evolutionary branching point is suggested.
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