Homogeneity of the Genetic Variance-covariance Matrix for Antipredator Traits in Two Natural Populations of the Garter Snake Thamnophis Ordinoides.

Quantitative genetic models of evolution rely on the genetic variance-covariance matrix to predict the phenotypic response to selection. Both prospective and retrospective studies of phenotypic evolution across generations rely on assumptions about the constancy of patterns of genetic covariance through time. In the absence of robust theoretical predictions about the stability of genetic covariances, this assumption must be tested with empirical comparisons of genetic parameters among populations and species. Genetic variance-covariance matrices were estimated for a suite of antipredator traits in two populations of the northwestern garter snake, Thamnophis ordinoides. The characters studied include color pattern and antipredator behaviors that interact to facilitate escape from predators. Significant heritabilities for all traits were detected in both populations. Genetic correlations and covariances were found among behaviors in both populations and between color pattern and behavior in one of the populations. Phenotypic means differed among populations, but pairwise comparisons revealed no heterogeneity of genetic parameters between the populations. The structure of the genetic variance-covariance matrix has apparently not changed significantly during the divergence of these two populations.