Thyroid uptake and distribution of 125I, concentrations of T4 and T3 in serum and thyroids and concentrations of TSH in serum and pituitaries were measured to determine thyroid function of Uinta Ground Squirrels (Citellus armatus) native to 5,400 and 9,000 feet elevations to evaluate alterations in the state of the thyroid due to increased altitude. Uptake of 125I was 60 percent lower by squirrels from 9,000 feet. Incorporation of 125I into T3 was greater at the higher elevation, but absolute thyroid T3 concentrations were similar at both elevations. No significant differences were found in serum T3 concentrations, but squirrels living at 9,000 feet had higher serum T4 levels than those living at a lower elevation. Urinary excretion of T3 by squirrels from the 9,000 feet elevation was lower compared to excretion by squirrels native to 5,400 feet. Elevated pituitary TSH levels were also found in squirrels native to the higher altitude. These findings indicate a chronic hypothyroid state of squirrels living at 9,000 feet compared to those living at 5,400 feet.

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Previous research on the relationship between spatial memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been controversial. In the present study, neurogenesis was compared between two natural populations of the same species that differ in their reliance on spatial memory to cache and retrieve stored food. Western red squirrels store food in a single site whereas eastern red squirrels store food in multiple sites. Neurogenesis was assessed using endogenous markers of the number of proliferating cells (Ki-67) and the number of immature neurons (DCX), and neuronal recruitment was determined by measuring the area of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The number of proliferating cells, immature neurons and neuronal recruitment were enhanced in the eastern compared to the western red squirrels, reflecting the food storing strategies used by the squirrels. This suggests that there is a positive correlation between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial learning and memory.

Previous research on the relationship between spatial memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been controversial. In the present study, neurogenesis was compared between two natural populations of the same species that differ in their reliance on spatial memory to cache and retrieve stored food. Western red squirrels store food in a single site whereas eastern red squirrels store food in multiple sites. Neurogenesis was assessed using endogenous markers of the number of proliferating cells (Ki-67) and the number of immature neurons (DCX), and neuronal recruitment was determined by measuring the area of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The number of proliferating cells, immature neurons and neuronal recruitment were enhanced in the eastern compared to the western red squirrels, reflecting the food storing strategies used by the squirrels. This suggests that there is a positive correlation between adult hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial learning and memory.

A trait must genetically correlate with fitness in order to evolve, however, theory suggests that strong directional selection should erode additive genetic variance (Va) in fitness and limit future evolutionary potential. Sexual antagonism and temporal fluctuations in selection are mechanisms that could maintain Va in fitness. Maternal genetic effects could be an additional source of adaptive genetic variation. I used ‘animal models’ to examine a long-term population of red squirrels to determine 1) if either sexual antagonism or temporal fluctuations in selection were maintaining direct Va in fitness or 2) if maternal genetic effects were a source of indirect Va in fitness. While there were environmental trade-offs on juvenile survival, neither sexual antagonism nor temporal fluctuations in selection maintained Va in fitness. Maternal genetic effects on fitness were significant and provide the Va in fitness needed for rapid microevolution. This is the first instance of maternal genetic effects demonstrated as the only genetic variance available for microevolution. / Northern Scientific Training Program, the Arctic Institute of North America, American Society of Mammologists, Queen Elizabeth II Graduate Scholarship in Science and Technology, NSERC Discovery (to Andrew McAdam), NSF (to Andrew McAdam)