The formation of fluctuating asymmetry during individual development of Вetula pendula

The formation of fluctuating asymmetry level during individual development is studied on the example of the leaf of the silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) from Klimetcky island (Lake Onego, Karelia). It was stated that asymmetry level of metric vegetative signs depends on the leaf morphogenesis stage: parameters change during vegetative period. The dependence is statistically significant. Age-related state of the silver birch has a statistically significant impact on the value of its fluctuating asymmetry. Along with this, during onto- and morphogenesis of individuals and their parts the trends of asymmetry variability differ significantly in various groups of characteristics. Five studied features of the leaf were grouped into three characteristics having different reaction to their development. "Compensatory growth or variation" model meets the established patterns in variability of asymmetry parameters during individual development of silver birch.