Moose Evolution and Adaptation

Introduction

Moose (Alces alces) are large mammalian herbivores found in the northern regions of North America and Europe. They are the largest member of the deer family (Cervidae), and adult males can grow up to seven feet tall and weigh over half a ton [1]. The name “moose” came from the Native American tribe the Algonquin, and translates to “twig eater” [2]. Moose prefer forested habitat near lakes, marshes, and wetlands, and are able to withstand cold winters due to their great size. This makes the countries of Russia, Canada, the United States, Sweden, Finland, and Norway most suitable. Despite their large range and forage diversity, moose populations have experienced increasing pressure in the contiguous United States due to climate change, and disease, although populations remain stable in arctic and subarctic climates [3].

Moose have shaggy, dark brown coats, and are long-legged with broad shoulders. They have prominent muzzles with an overhanging upper lip, and a large flap of hair-covered skin that hangs beneath the throat called a "bell" or a dewlap [2]. Adult males have flat broad antlers that shed and regrow every year to display dominance and protect their eyes when competing for a mate. The average adult male moose weighs 1,106 pounds, and an adult female weighs 836 pounds [1].

The moose diet consists largely of browse: the leaves and twigs of woody plants. Willow, aspen, birch, maple, pin cherry, and mountain ash are important, high quality browse utilized by moose throughout the year. In addition, since leaves are absent from hardwoods in the winter, balsam fir provides additional nutritional value for moose [1]. Sodium is important for moose, and a diet consisting of aquatic plants such as pondweed and water lilies provides a substantial amount. This is a problem in the winter, however, because moose will lick roads and cars to meet their necessary salt intake, which cannot be obtained from the seasonal aquatic plants [1].

Moose are seasonal breeders whose mating season begins in late September and lasts into early October. Female moose (cows) give birth the following May to one to two calves. Cows begin breeding at age two and can continue into their teens, whereas male moose (bulls) usually do not breed until they are older and can compete with larger bulls for a suitable mate [1]. The average life expectancy of moose is eight years for a cow, and seven years for a bull. They can live into their teens, but rarely survive past twenty years old. Predation of adult moose is limited due to their large size, but calves and ageing moose are particularly susceptible to attacks from wolves, brown or grizzly bears, black bears, and sometimes cougars [4].

Alaskan Bull Moose,i Alces alces gigas

Figure 1. Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.[1].

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Legend/credit: Electron micrograph of the Ebola Zaire virus. This was the first photo ever taken of the virus, on 10/13/1976. By Dr. F.A. Murphy, now at U.C. Davis, then at the CDC.
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Evolution

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Gut microbiome and Climate Change

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Conclusion

Overall, moose are hardy animals who have maintained an impressive existence despite their lack of species diversification. As the largest members of the deer family, moose are among few animals able to call arctic environments home—primarily due to their great size. This, combined with their herbivorous diet, make moose a unique creature, and model organism for adaptability. As humans continue to impact the environment, moose, their microbiomes, and their subspecies will without a doubt continue to adapt to the changing world.

References

Edited by [Author Name], student of Joan Slonczewski for BIOL 116, 2024, Kenyon College.