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Smiley KO, Lipshutz SE, Kimmitt AA, DeVries MS, Cain KE, George EM, Covino KM. Beyond a biased binary: A perspective on the misconceptions, challenges, and implications of studying females in avian behavioral endocrinology. Front Physiol 2022; 13:970603. [PMID: 36213250 PMCID: PMC9532843 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.970603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
For decades, avian endocrinology has been informed by male perspectives and male-focused research, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of female birds. Male birds have been favored as research subjects because their reproductive behaviors are considered more conspicuous and their reproductive physiology is presumably less complex than female birds. However, female birds should not be ignored, as female reproductive behavior and physiology are essential for the propagation of all avian species. Endocrine research in female birds has made much progress in the last 20 years, but a substantial disparity in knowledge between male and female endocrinology persists. In this perspective piece, we provide examples of why ornithology has neglected female endocrinology, and we propose considerations for field and laboratory techniques to facilitate future studies. We highlight recent advances that showcase the importance of female avian endocrinology, and we challenge historic applications of an oversimplified, male-biased lens. We further provide examples of species for which avian behavior differs from the stereotypically described behaviors of male and female birds, warning investigators of the pitfalls in approaching endocrinology with a binary bias. We hope this piece will inspire investigators to engage in more comprehensive studies with female birds, to close the knowledge gap between the sexes, and to look beyond the binary when drawing conclusions about what is ‘male’ versus ‘female’ biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O. Smiley
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Center for Neuroendocrine Studies and Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kristina O. Smiley,
| | - Sara E. Lipshutz
- Biology Department, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Abigail A. Kimmitt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - M. Susan DeVries
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, United States
| | - Kristal E. Cain
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Elizabeth M. George
- Biology Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Kristen. M. Covino
- Biology Department, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Lane SJ, Sewall KB. What About Females? Urban Female Song Sparrows Elevate Aggressive Signaling Compared to Rural. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:icac106. [PMID: 35790130 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The costs and benefits of breeding behaviors are influenced by environmental conditions, and habitat variation can shift the degree to which behaviors are expressed. Novel urban habitats have been shown to differ significantly in disturbances such as noise, light at night, and human presence, as well as resource availability, compared to rural habitats. Perhaps because of these environmental differences, urban males of several species are consistently more aggressive than rural males, raising the hypothesis that greater territorial aggression is beneficial in urban habitats. Though often ignored, female songbirds of many species also perform aggressive territorial behaviors towards conspecifics during the breeding season. For socially monogamous songbirds, this aggression functions to ensure partner fidelity and secure resources for reproduction. Studies of the effects of urbanization on songbird behavior have yet to determine if urban females also express greater territorial aggression. Importantly, energetically demanding behaviors such as territoriality and parental care should constrain one another, leading to behavioral trade-offs during the breeding season. Though territorial aggression and parental care are inversely related in males of several species of songbird, this relationship is understudied in female songbirds, particularly those facing environmental change such as urbanization. In this study, we compared aggressive signaling and a measure of parental care (maternal nest visitation rates) between female song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), living in urban and rural habitats. We hypothesized that female aggressive signaling would be higher in urban environments compared to rural, and negatively correlated with maternal visitation rates. We found that urban females, like males, expressed increased aggressive signaling compared to rural. However, female aggressive signaling was not related to our measure of maternal care, suggesting females aren't facing a trade-off between these two behaviors. Collectively, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that urban habitats promote territorial aggression in female song sparrows. As urbanization continues to spread, understanding the behavioral changes animals employ in urban environments requires studying individuals of different sexes and age classes, and will help us understand how some species are able to cope with human induced rapid environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Lane
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biological Sciences, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
| | - Kendra B Sewall
- Virginia Tech, Department of Biological Sciences, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
- Virginia Tech, School of Neuroscience, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
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Odom KJ, Cain KE, Hall ML, Langmore NE, Mulder RA, Kleindorfer S, Karubian J, Brouwer L, Enbody ED, Jones JA, Dowling JL, Leitão AV, Greig EI, Evans C, Johnson AE, Meyers KK, Araya‐Salas M, Webster MS. Sex role similarity and sexual selection predict male and female song elaboration and dimorphism in fairy-wrens. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17901-17919. [PMID: 35003646 PMCID: PMC8717346 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, bird song complexity was thought to evolve primarily through sexual selection on males; yet, in many species, both sexes sing and selection pressure on both sexes may be broader. Previous research suggests competition for mates and resources during short, synchronous breeding seasons leads to more elaborate male songs at high, temperate latitudes. Furthermore, we expect male-female song structure and elaboration to be more similar at lower, tropical latitudes, where longer breeding seasons and year-round territoriality yield similar social selection pressures in both sexes. However, studies seldom take both types of selective pressures and sexes into account. We examined song in both sexes in 15 populations of nine-fairy-wren species (Maluridae), a Southern Hemisphere clade with female song. We compared song elaboration (in both sexes) and sexual song dimorphism to latitude and life-history variables tied to sexual and social selection pressures and sex roles. Our results suggest that song elaboration evolved in part due to sexual competition in males: male songs were longer than female songs in populations with low male survival and less male provisioning. Also, female songs evolved independently of male songs: female songs were slower paced than male songs, although only in less synchronously breeding populations. We also found male and female songs were more similar when parental care was more equal and when male survival was high, which provides strong evidence that sex role similarity correlates with male-female song similarity. Contrary to Northern Hemisphere latitudinal patterns, male and female songs were more similar at higher, temperate latitudes. These results suggest that selection on song can be sex specific, with male song elaboration favored in contexts with stronger sexual selection. At the same time, selection pressures associated with sex role similarity appear to favor sex role similarity in song structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan J. Odom
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Maryland, College ParkCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Kristal E. Cain
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - Michelle L. Hall
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
- Bush Heritage AustraliaMelbourneVic.Australia
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWAAustralia
- Max Planck Institute for OrnithologyVogelwarte RadolfzellGermany
| | - Naomi E. Langmore
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Raoul A. Mulder
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Sonia Kleindorfer
- College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive BiologyKonrad Lorenz Research Center for Behaviour and CognitionUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jordan Karubian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Lyanne Brouwer
- Research School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
- Department of Animal Ecology & PhysiologyInstitute for Water and Wetland ResearchRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Animal EcologyNetherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO‐KNAW)WageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Erik D. Enbody
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and MicrobiologyUppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - John Anthony Jones
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | | | - Ana V. Leitão
- School of BioSciencesThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Emma I. Greig
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Project Feeder WatchCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
| | - Christine Evans
- College of Science and EngineeringFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Allison E. Johnson
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | | | - Marcelo Araya‐Salas
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- Centro de Investigación en NeurocienciasUniversidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
- Esciela de Biología, Universidad de Costa RicaSan JoséCosta Rica
| | - Michael S. Webster
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
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Jones JA, Odom KJ, Hoppe IR, Nason D, Ketaloya S, Karubian J. Correlated evolution of distinct signals associated with increased social selection in female white-shouldered fairywrens. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:17352-17363. [PMID: 34938513 PMCID: PMC8668759 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Conspicuous female signals have recently received substantial scientific attention, but it remains unclear if their evolution is the result of selection acting on females independently of males or if mutual selection facilitates female change. Species that express female, but not male, phenotypic variation among populations represents a useful opportunity to address this knowledge gap. White-shouldered fairywrens (Malurus alboscapulatus) are tropical songbirds with a well-resolved phylogeny where female, but not male, coloration varies allopatrically across subspecies. We explored how four distinct signaling modalities, each putatively associated with increased social selection, are expressed in two populations that vary in competitive pressure on females. Females in a derived subspecies (M. a. moretoni) have evolved more ornamented plumage and have shorter tails (a signal of social dominance) relative to an ancestral subspecies (M. a. lorentzi) with drab females. In response to simulated territorial intrusions broadcasting female song, both sexes of M. a. moretoni are more aggressive and more coordinated with their mates in both movement and vocalizations. Finally, M. a. moretoni songs are more complex than M. a. lorentzi, but song complexity does not vary between sexes in either population. These results suggest that correlated phenotypic shifts in coloration and tail morphology in females as well as song complexity and aggression in both sexes may have occurred in response to changes in the intensity of social selection pressures. This highlights increased competitive pressures in both sexes can facilitate the evolution of complex multimodal signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Anthony Jones
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Karan J. Odom
- Department of Neurobiology and BehaviorCornell Lab of OrnithologyCornell UniversityIthacaNew YorkUSA
- Present address:
Department of PsychologyUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Ian R. Hoppe
- School of Natural ResourcesUniversity of NebraskaLincolnNebraskaUSA
| | - Doka Nason
- Porotona VillageMilne Bay ProvincePapua New Guinea
| | | | - Jordan Karubian
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
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6
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Cain KE, Griffith SC, Kruuk LEB. Sex and morph differences in age-dependent trait changes in a polymorphic songbird. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1691-1703. [PMID: 34528324 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of important variation in how animals age, in particular in how the expression of traits changes with age among different species and populations. However, less is known about variation within populations, which may include variation in ageing patterns between different types of individuals (e.g. sexes or distinct polymorphisms) and between different types of traits (e.g. general traits versus those used in social signalling contexts). We used 6 years of longitudinal data to examine age-related changes in trait expression in a captive population of Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), a socially monogamous songbird with genetically determined colour morphs that differ in behaviour and physiology. We contrasted ageing patterns of different types of traits (social signalling vs. size-related) in both sexes and in two colour morphs, using a mixed model approach to account for both within- and between-individual effects. We found pronounced sex differences in how social signalling traits change with age, showing a quadratic pattern in males, but not changing with age in females. In contrast, we observed no sex-specific ageing patterns in size traits. We also found subtle morph differences in how size-related traits changed with age, with black morphs stable or increasing with age while red morphs showing a decline with age. Finally, we found an interesting sex by morph interaction in one important social signal (headband width). These results highlight the importance of using within-individual approaches to understand ageing patterns across types of individuals (sex, morph, etc.) and the need for further research on the ageing patterns of traits that may experience different selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal E Cain
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,School of Biological Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Loeske E B Kruuk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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7
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Lipshutz SE, Rosvall KA. Nesting strategy shapes territorial aggression but not testosterone: A comparative approach in female and male birds. Horm Behav 2021; 133:104995. [PMID: 34000663 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.104995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms shaping competitive reproductive phenotypes primarily stems from research on male-male competition for mates, even though competition is widespread in both sexes. We evaluate the hypothesis that the restricted nature of a resource required for reproduction, i.e. nest site, is a key variable driving territorial competition and testosterone secretion in female and male birds. Obligate secondary cavity-nesting has evolved repeatedly across avian lineages, providing a useful comparative context to explore how competition over limited nest cavities shapes aggression and its underlying mechanisms across species. Although evidence from one or another cavity-nesting species suggests that territorial aggression is adaptive in both females and males, this has not yet been tested in a comparative framework. We predicted that cavity-nesting generates more robust territorial aggression, in comparison to close relatives with less restrictive nesting strategies. Our focal species were two obligate secondary cavity-nesting species and two related species with more flexible nesting strategies in the same avian family: tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) vs. barn swallow (Hirundo rustica); Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) vs. American robin (Turdus migratorius). We assayed conspecific aggression using simulated territorial intrusion and found that cavity-nesting species displayed greater territorial aggression than their close relatives. This pattern held for both females and males. Because territorial aggression is often associated with elevated testosterone, we also hypothesized that cavity-nesting species would exhibit higher testosterone levels in circulation. However, cavity-nesting species did not have higher testosterone in circulation for either sex, despite some correlative evidence that testosterone is associated with higher rates of physical attack in female tree swallows. Our focus on a context that is relevant to both sexes - competition over essential breeding resources - provides a useful framework for co-consideration of proximate and ultimate drivers of reproductive competition in females and males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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8
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Thys B, Eens M, Pinxten R, Iserbyt A. Pathways linking female personality with reproductive success are trait- and year-specific. Behav Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/araa110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Personality (i.e., among-individual variation in average behavior) often covaries with fitness, but how such personality–fitness relationships come about is poorly understood. Here, we explore potential mechanisms by which two female personality traits (female–female aggression and female nest defense as manifested by hissing behavior) were linked with annual reproductive success in a population of great tits (Parus major), a socially monogamous species with biparental care. We hypothesized that personality-related differences in reproductive success result from variation in reproductive decision (lay date, brood size) and/or parental provisioning rates. Relative support for these mechanisms was evaluated using path analysis on data collected in two successive years. We reveal that larger broods were provisioned at a higher rate by both parents and that female, but not male, provisioning rate was involved in the trade-off between offspring number (brood size) and fledgling mass. Among-individual variation in female aggression, via its association with female provisioning rate, was negatively linked to fledgling mass (i.e., indirect effect), yet only in one of the study years. Male provisioning rate did not influence these relationships. In contrast, among-individual variation in hissing behavior was directly and negatively linked with fledgling mass in both years, via an underlying mechanism that remains to be identified (i.e., direct effect). Together, our findings emphasize that personality–fitness relationships may come about via different mechanisms across personality traits and/or years, thereby illustrating additional complexity in how selection might act on and maintain among-individual variation in behavioral phenotypes in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert Thys
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Marcel Eens
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Rianne Pinxten
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Antwerp School of Education, University of Antwerp, Venusstraat 35, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arne Iserbyt
- Department of Biology, Behavioural Ecology and Ecophysiology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Bentz AB, Philippi KJ, Rosvall KA. Evaluating seasonal patterns of female aggression: Case study in a cavity‐nesting bird with intense female–female competition. Ethology 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra B. Bentz
- Department of Biology Indiana University Bloomington Indiana
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Indiana University Bloomington Indiana
| | | | - Kimberly A. Rosvall
- Department of Biology Indiana University Bloomington Indiana
- Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior Indiana University Bloomington Indiana
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10
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Lipshutz SE, Meier JI, Derryberry GE, Miller MJ, Seehausen O, Derryberry EP. Differential introgression of a female competitive trait in a hybrid zone between sex-role reversed species. Evolution 2019; 73:188-201. [PMID: 30597557 DOI: 10.1111/evo.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mating behavior between recently diverged species in secondary contact can impede or promote reproductive isolation. Traditionally, researchers focus on the importance of female mate choice and male-male competition in maintaining or eroding species barriers. Although female-female competition is widespread, little is known about its role in the speciation process. Here, we investigate a case of interspecific female competition and its influence on patterns of phenotypic and genetic introgression between species. We examine a hybrid zone between sex-role reversed, Neotropical shorebird species, the northern jacana (Jacana spinosa) and wattled jacana (J. jacana), in which female-female competition is a major determinant of reproductive success. Previous work found that females of the more aggressive and larger species, J. spinosa, disproportionately mother hybrid offspring, potentially by monopolizing breeding territories in sympatry with J. jacana. We find a cline shift of female body mass relative to the genetic center of the hybrid zone, consistent with asymmetric introgression of this competitive trait. We suggest that divergence in sexual characteristics between sex-role reversed females can influence patterns of gene flow upon secondary contact, similar to males in systems with more typical sex roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996.,Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joana I Meier
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Fish Ecology and Evolution, Eawag Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Graham E Derryberry
- Museum of Natural Science, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70803
| | - Matthew J Miller
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Republic of Panama.,Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum and Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, 73019
| | - Ole Seehausen
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Fish Ecology and Evolution, Eawag Center for Ecology, Evolution and Biogeochemistry, Kastanienbaum, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth P Derryberry
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70118.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37996
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11
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Cain KE, Hall ML, Medina I, Leitao AV, Delhey K, Brouwer L, Peters A, Pruett-Jones S, Webster MS, Langmore NE, Mulder RA. Conspicuous Plumage Does Not Increase Predation Risk: A Continent-Wide Test Using Model Songbirds. Am Nat 2019; 193:359-372. [PMID: 30794446 DOI: 10.1086/701632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The forces shaping female plumage color have long been debated but remain unresolved. Females may benefit from conspicuous colors but are also expected to suffer costs. Predation is one potential cost, but few studies have explicitly investigated the relationship between predation risk and coloration. The fairy-wrens show pronounced variation in female coloration and reside in a wide variety of habitats across Australasia. Species with more conspicuous females are found in denser habitats, suggesting that conspicuousness in open habitat increases vulnerability to predators. To test this, we measured attack rates on 3-D-printed models mimicking conspicuously colored males and females and dull females in eight different fairy-wren habitats across Australia. Attack rates were higher in open habitats and at higher latitudes. Contrary to our predictions, dull female models were attacked at similar rates to the conspicuous models. Further, the probability of attack in open habitats increased more for both types of female models than for the conspicuous male model. Across models, the degree of contrast (chromatic and achromatic) to environmental backgrounds was unrelated to predation rate. These findings do not support the long-standing hypothesis that conspicuous plumage, in isolation, is costly due to increased attraction of predators. Our results indicate that conspicuousness interacts with other factors in driving the evolution of plumage coloration.
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12
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Diniz P, Oliveira RS, Marini MÂ, Duca C. Angry caciques: intrasexual aggression in a Neotropical colonial blackbird. ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2018.1544593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Diniz
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Populações e Conservação, Universidade Vila Velha, Campus Nossa Senhora da Penha, Vila Velha 29102-623, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas, Universidade Vila Velha, Campus Boa Vista, Vila Velha 29102-920, ES, Brazil
| | - Rayane S. Oliveira
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Populações e Conservação, Universidade Vila Velha, Campus Nossa Senhora da Penha, Vila Velha 29102-623, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia de Ecossistemas, Universidade Vila Velha, Campus Boa Vista, Vila Velha 29102-920, ES, Brazil
| | - Miguel Â. Marini
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasilia 70910-900 DF, Brazil
| | - Charles Duca
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Populações e Conservação, Universidade Vila Velha, Campus Nossa Senhora da Penha, Vila Velha 29102-623, Brazil
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13
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Schlupp I. Male mate choice in livebearing fishes: an overview. Curr Zool 2018; 64:393-403. [PMID: 30402080 PMCID: PMC6007348 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the majority of studies on mate choice focus on female mate choice, there is growing recognition of the role of male mate choice too. Male mate choice is tightly linked to 2 other phenomena: female competition for males and ornamentation in females. In the current article, I review the existing literature on this in a group of fishes, Poeciliidae. In this group, male mate choice appears to be based on differences in female quality, especially female size, which is a proxy for fecundity. Some males also have to choose between heterospecific and conspecific females in the unusual mating system of the Amazon molly. In this case, they typically show a preference for conspecific females. Whereas male mate choice is relatively well documented for this family, female ornamentation and female competition are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Schlupp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, 730 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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14
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Krieg CA, Getty T. Female house wrens value the nest cavity more than exclusive access to males during conflicts with female intruders. BEHAVIOUR 2018. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-00003481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Individuals should fight hardest when they stand to lose the most. Whereas males frequently compete for fertile females, females more often compete for high quality males, male care, or resources required to breed. We asked whether established, territorial female house wrens (Troglodytes aedon) challenged by simulated female intruders fight as if they place more value on retaining (1) their nesting cavity or (2) exclusive access to other benefits offered by males. We randomly assigned house wren pairs to receive one or three nest boxes and then assayed female aggression. The relative costs to losing differed between box treatments. For one-box females, the risk of losing the cavity and territory was higher. For three-box females, the risk of losing the cavity may be lower because intruders may be able to settle as secondary females in the supplemental boxes. In this situation, females would lose exclusive access to males and their territories but would still retain the male’s assistance rearing offspring since male house wrens favour their oldest brood. We found that one-box females were significantly more aggressive. This response may be adaptive, as females that switched territories between broods were significantly more likely to lose their entire nest prior to hatching than females that retained the same territory. We interpret our results to mean that female house wrens value the nest cavity more than other benefits from exclusive access to males and their territories. This work contributes to a body of evidence that females often compete for resources required to breed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A. Krieg
- aMichigan State University, Department of Integrative Biology, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- bW.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, USA
| | - Thomas Getty
- aMichigan State University, Department of Integrative Biology, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- bW.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Hickory Corners, MI 49060, USA
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Medina I, Delhey K, Peters A, Cain KE, Hall ML, Mulder RA, Langmore NE. Habitat structure is linked to the evolution of plumage colour in female, but not male, fairy-wrens. BMC Evol Biol 2017; 17:35. [PMID: 28125973 PMCID: PMC5270345 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-016-0861-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both natural and sexual selection may drive the evolution of plumage colouration in birds. This can lead to great variation in plumage not only across species, but also between sexes within species. Australasian fairy-wrens are famous for their brightly coloured males, which exhibit colours ranging from bright blue to red and black. Female plumage in fairy wrens (and in general) has been rarely studied, but it can also be highly variable, including both bright and cryptic plumages. We use a comparative framework to explore the basis for this variation, and test the possibility that female fairy-wrens experience selection for cryptic plumage when they occupy more exposed habitats that offer little concealment from predators. We use spectral measurements of plumage for species and subspecies of Australasian fairy-wrens. Results We show that female colouration (contrast against background) is strongly correlated with vegetation cover: females in open habitats show less contrast to background colours than females in closed habitats, while male colouration is not associated with habitat type. Conclusions Female plumage appears to be under stronger natural selection than male plumage in fairy-wrens, providing an example of how selection may act differently on males and females of the same species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-016-0861-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Medina
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, 0200, Australia.
| | - Kaspar Delhey
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Kristal E Cain
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, 0200, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michelle L Hall
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Raoul A Mulder
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Naomi E Langmore
- Division of Ecology and Evolution, Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, 0200, Australia
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Cain KE, Langmore NE. Female song and aggression show contrasting relationships to reproductive success when habitat quality differs. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Glazier DS, Clusella-Trullas S, Terblanche JS. Sexual dimorphism and physiological correlates of horn length in a South African isopod crustacean. J Zool (1987) 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- D. S. Glazier
- Department of Biology; Juniata College; Huntingdon PA USA
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Centre for Invasion Biology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - S. Clusella-Trullas
- Department of Botany and Zoology; Centre for Invasion Biology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch South Africa
| | - J. S. Terblanche
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology; Centre for Invasion Biology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch South Africa
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Brunton DH, Roper MM, Harmer AMT. Female Song Rate and Structure Predict Reproductive Success in a Socially Monogamous Bird. Front Ecol Evol 2016. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2016.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Female and male song rates across breeding stage: testing for sexual and nonsexual functions of female song. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Cain KE, Cockburn A, Langmore NE. Female song rates in response to simulated intruder are positively related to reproductive success. Front Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Sartori C, Mazza S, Guzzo N, Mantovani R. Evolution of increased competitiveness in cows trades off with reduced milk yield, fertility and more masculine morphology. Evolution 2015; 69:2235-45. [PMID: 26177581 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In some species females compete for food, foraging territories, mating, and nesting sites. Competing females can exhibit morphological, physiological, and behavioral adaptations typical of males, which are commonly considered as secondary sexual traits. Competition and the development of traits increasing competitiveness require much energy and may exert adverse effects on fecundity and survival. From an evolutionary perspective, positive selection for increased competitiveness would then result in evolution of reduced values for traits related to fitness such as fecundity and survival. There is recent evidence for such evolutionary trade-offs involving male competition, but no study has considered competing females so far. Using data from competitions for dominance in cows (Bos taurus), we found negative genetic correlations between traits providing success in competition, that is, fighting ability and fitness traits related to milk production and with fertility (the inverse of parity-conception interval). Fighting ability also showed low but positive genetic correlations with "masculine" morphological traits, and negative correlations with "feminine" traits. A genetic change in traits over time has occurred due to selection on competitiveness, corresponding to an evolutionary process of "masculinization" counteracting the official selection for milk yield. Similar evolutionary trade-off between success in competition and fitness components may be present in various species experiencing female competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sartori
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment-DAFNAE, University of Padua, Viale dell'Universita', 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.
| | - Serena Mazza
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment-DAFNAE, University of Padua, Viale dell'Universita', 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Nadia Guzzo
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment-DAFNAE, University of Padua, Viale dell'Universita', 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Roberto Mantovani
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment-DAFNAE, University of Padua, Viale dell'Universita', 16, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
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