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Churchman EKL, Hain TJA, Knapp R, Neff BD. Parental care behaviour in response to perceived paternity is not mediated by 11-ketotestosterone in bluegill sunfish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 343:114367. [PMID: 37604349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Parental care is critical for the survival of many young animals, but parental care can be costly to the individual providing care. To balance this cost, parents can allocate their care to offspring based on their value, which can be dependent on the offspring's relatedness to the parent. Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a fish characterized by uniparental male care and high levels of cuckoldry. While parental males of this species have been shown to adaptively adjust their care in response to paternity, the mechanisms for this adjustment are not well understood. Androgens are steroid hormones that are associated with parental care behaviours in many species including bluegill. Here, we test the hypothesis that circulating androgen concentrations mediate the adjustment in care provided by bluegill parental males by manipulating perceived paternity and then measuring circulating 11-ketotestosterone concentration and parental care behaviour. We show that males with higher perceived paternity provide higher levels of nurturing and nest defense behaviour, but contrary to expectations, we found that these males had lower concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone. Furthermore, we found positive correlations between individual circulating plasma 11-ketotestosterone concentrations and nurturing behaviour, but not with the aggressive behaviours that differed between paternity treatments. While bluegill make behavioural changes in response to perceived paternity, these changes do not appear to be modulated by 11-ketotestosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rosemary Knapp
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
| | - Bryan D Neff
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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2
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Hase K, Kutsukake N. Plasticity for the kin and conspecific preferences in the frog tadpoles (Rana ornativentris). Anim Cogn 2022; 25:1653-1664. [PMID: 35904682 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, little is known of kin recognition systems and their plasticity. Even in well-studied anuran larvae (tadpoles), the determinants and effects of prior experience have not been clarified. This study evaluates the plasticity of kin and conspecific discrimination in tadpoles of the Japanese montane brown frog Rana ornativentris. We raised tadpoles under two different sibship conditions: the pure line, comprising only siblings, and the mixed line, comprising both siblings and non-siblings. The association preference by a subject tadpole to unfamiliar ("stimulus") tadpoles was assessed through binary-choice tests using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design among each kinship line (pure and mix), subject ontogeny/size (early stage/small and late-stage/large), and stimuli ontogeny/size. Contrary to our expectations, kin preference was confirmed only in early developmental small tadpoles from mixed line, and only with a small stimulus. Furthermore, tadpoles from mixed line did not exhibit size preference for unrelated conspecifics. These results suggest that different prior associations have modulated kin templates along tadpole ontogeny and that the presence of non-kin would enhance the learning of kin/non-kin. This study provides the first example that plasticity of kin recognition affects not only kin-biased association but also conspecific recognition along ontogeny in tadpoles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuko Hase
- Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies [SOKENDAI], Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan.
| | - Nobuyuki Kutsukake
- Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies [SOKENDAI], Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies [SOKENDAI], Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
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3
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Scott TW, Grafen A, West SA. Multiple social encounters can eliminate Crozier's paradox and stabilise genetic kin recognition. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3902. [PMID: 35794146 PMCID: PMC9259605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Crozier's paradox suggests that genetic kin recognition will not be evolutionarily stable. The problem is that more common tags (markers) are more likely to be recognised and helped. This causes common tags to increase in frequency, and hence eliminates the genetic variability that is required for genetic kin recognition. It has therefore been assumed that genetic kin recognition can only be stable if there is some other factor maintaining tag diversity, such as the advantage of rare alleles in host-parasite interactions. We show that allowing for multiple social encounters before each social interaction can eliminate Crozier's paradox, because it allows individuals with rare tags to find others with the same tag. We also show that rare tags are better indicators of relatedness, and hence better at helping individuals avoid interactions with non-cooperative cheats. Consequently, genetic kin recognition provides an advantage to rare tags that maintains tag diversity, and stabilises itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Scott
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK.
| | - Alan Grafen
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Stuart A West
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3SZ, UK
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4
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Abstract
AbstractKin recognition plays an important role in social behavior and evolution, but the proximate mechanisms by which individuals recognize kin remain poorly understood. In many species, individuals form a "kin template" that they compare with conspecifics' phenotypes to assess phenotypic similarity-and, by association, relatedness. Individuals may form a kin template through self-inspection (i.e., self-referencing) and/or by observing their rearing associates (i.e., family referencing). However, despite much interest, few empirical studies have successfully disentangled self-referencing and family referencing. Here, we employ a novel set of breeding crosses using the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata) to disentangle referencing systems by manipulating exposure to kin from conception onward. We show that guppies discriminate among their full and maternal half siblings, which can be explained only by self-referencing. Additional behavioral experiments revealed no evidence that guppies incorporate the phenotypes of their broodmates or mother into the kin template. Finally, by manipulating the format of our behavioral tests, we show that olfactory communication is both necessary and sufficient for kin discrimination. These results provide robust evidence that individuals recognize kin by comparing the olfactory phenotypes of conspecifics with their own. This study resolves key questions about the proximate mechanisms underpinning kin recognition, with implications for the ontogeny and evolution of social behavior.
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Gerlach G, Wullimann MF. Neural pathways of olfactory kin imprinting and kin recognition in zebrafish. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 383:273-287. [PMID: 33515290 PMCID: PMC7873017 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Teleost fish exhibit extraordinary cognitive skills that are comparable to those of mammals and birds. Kin recognition based on olfactory and visual imprinting requires neuronal circuits that were assumed to be necessarily dependent on the interaction of mammalian amygdala, hippocampus, and isocortex, the latter being a structure that teleost fish are lacking. We show that teleosts—beyond having a hippocampus and pallial amygdala homolog—also have subpallial amygdalar structures. In particular, we identify the medial amygdala and neural olfactory central circuits related to kin imprinting and kin recognition corresponding to an accessory olfactory system despite the absence of a separate vomeronasal organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Gerlach
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl-von-Ossietzky University, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.,Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity Oldenburg (HIFMB), 26129, Oldenburg, Germany.,Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, QLD, 4811, Townsville, Australia
| | - Mario F Wullimann
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences & Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany. .,Max-Planck-Institute for Neurobiology, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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6
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Males optimally balance selfish and kin-selected strategies of sexual competition in the guppy. Nat Ecol Evol 2020; 4:745-752. [DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-1152-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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7
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Ward AJW, Kent MIA, Webster MM. Social Recognition and Social Attraction in Group-Living Fishes. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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Sinervo B, Chaine AS, Miles DB. Social Games and Genic Selection Drive Mammalian Mating System Evolution and Speciation. Am Nat 2019; 195:247-274. [PMID: 32017620 DOI: 10.1086/706810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mating system theory based on economics of resource defense has been applied to describe social system diversity across taxa. Such models are generally successful but fail to account for stable mating systems across different environments or shifts in mating system without a change in ecological conditions. We propose an alternative approach to resource defense theory based on frequency-dependent competition among genetically determined alternative behavioral strategies characterizing many social systems (polygyny, monogamy, sneak). We modeled payoffs for competition, neighborhood choice, and paternal care to determine evolutionary transitions among mating systems. Our model predicts four stable outcomes driven by the balance between cooperative and agonistic behaviors: promiscuity (two or three strategies), polygyny, and monogamy. Phylogenetic analysis of 288 rodent species supports assumptions of our model and is consistent with patterns of evolutionarily stable states and mating system transitions. Support for model assumptions include that monogamy and polygyny evolve from promiscuity and that paternal care and monogamy are coadapted in rodents. As predicted by our model, monogamy and polygyny occur in sister taxa among rodents more often than by chance. Transitions to monogamy also favor higher speciation rates in subsequent lineages, relative to polygynous sister lineages. Taken together, our results suggest that genetically based neighborhood choice behavior and paternal care can drive transitions in mating system evolution. While our genic mating system theory could complement resource-based theory, it can explain mating system transitions regardless of resource distribution and provides alternative explanations, such as evolutionary inertia, when resource ecology and mating systems do not match.
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Waterman JM, Archibald AJ. Both familiarity and kinship influence odour discrimination by females in a highly social African ground squirrel. Anim Behav 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Mitchell J, Kyabulima S, Businge R, Cant MA, Nichols HJ. Kin discrimination via odour in the cooperatively breeding banded mongoose. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:171798. [PMID: 29657784 PMCID: PMC5882708 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.171798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Kin discrimination is often beneficial for group-living animals as it aids in inbreeding avoidance and providing nepotistic help. In mammals, the use of olfactory cues in kin discrimination is widespread and may occur through learning the scents of individuals that are likely to be relatives, or by assessing genetic relatedness directly through assessing odour similarity (phenotype matching). We use scent presentations to investigate these possibilities in a wild population of the banded mongoose Mungos mungo, a cooperative breeder in which inbreeding risk is high and females breed communally, disrupting behavioural cues to kinship. We find that adults show heightened behavioural responses to unfamiliar (extra-group) scents than to familiar (within-group) scents. Interestingly, we found that responses to familiar odours, but not unfamiliar odours, varied with relatedness. This suggests that banded mongooses are either able to use an effective behavioural rule to identify likely relatives from within their group, or that phenotype matching is used in the context of within-group kin recognition but not extra-group kin recognition. In other cooperative breeders, familiarity is used within the group and phenotype matching may be used to identify unfamiliar kin. However, for the banded mongoose this pattern may be reversed, most likely due to their unusual breeding system which disrupts within-group behavioural cues to kinship.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Mitchell
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - S. Kyabulima
- Banded Mongoose Research Project, Mweya, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
| | - R. Businge
- Banded Mongoose Research Project, Mweya, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
| | - M. A. Cant
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Cornwall, UK
| | - H. J. Nichols
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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11
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Franckowiak RP, Ridgway MS, Wilson CC. Genetic mating system and mate selection in smallmouth bass. Ecol Evol 2017; 7:8864-8875. [PMID: 29152183 PMCID: PMC5677493 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mating systems are an important factor influencing the variance in reproductive success among individuals within natural populations and thus have important ecological and evolutionary implications. We used molecular pedigree reconstruction techniques with microsatellite DNA data to characterize the genetic mating system and mate selection in adult smallmouth bass spawning in Lake Opeongo. The genetic mating system of smallmouth bass in this system can be characterized as predominantly monogamous with a low rate of polygynandry particularly among larger individuals. Iteroparous individuals showed a complete absence of interannual mate fidelity, presumably due to the low annual return rate of spawning adults. Within a season, individuals from both sexes pursued additional mating opportunities with males showing greater variance in mate number than females. Female mate selection appeared to be largely random with little evidence for elevated levels of inbreeding in this population. Multiple mating females pursued additional males to whom they were less related than the first male with which they spawned within a given season, however, this pattern varied among years. The mating pattern observed in this population would likely limit the strength of sexual selection and thus could account for the lack of sexual dimorphism and the absence of alternative reproductive tactics in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan P Franckowiak
- Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | - Mark S Ridgway
- Harkness Laboratory of Fisheries Research Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
| | - Chris C Wilson
- Conservation and Genetics Laboratory Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Aquatic Research and Monitoring Section Trent University Peterborough ON Canada
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12
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Nichols HJ. The causes and consequences of inbreeding avoidance and tolerance in cooperatively breeding vertebrates. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H. J. Nichols
- School of Natural Sciences and Psychology Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool UK
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13
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Griesser M, Halvarsson P, Drobniak SM, Vilà C. Fine-scale kin recognition in the absence of social familiarity in the Siberian jay, a monogamous bird species. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:5726-38. [PMID: 26460512 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Kin recognition is a critical element to kin cooperation, and in vertebrates, it is primarily based on associative learning. Recognition of socially unfamiliar kin occurs rarely, and it is reported only in vertebrate species where promiscuity prevents recognition of first-order relatives. However, it is unknown whether the recognition of socially unfamiliar kin can evolve in monogamous species. Here, we investigate whether genetic relatedness modulates aggression among group members in Siberian jays (Perisoreus infaustus). This bird species is genetically and socially monogamous and lives in groups that are formed through the retention of offspring beyond independence, and the immigration of socially unfamiliar nonbreeders. Observations on feeders showed that genetic relatedness modulated aggression of breeders towards immigrants in a graded manner, in that they chased most intensely the immigrant group members that were genetically the least related. However, cross-fostering experiments showed that breeders were equally tolerant towards their own and cross-fostered young swapped as nestlings. Thus, breeders seem to use different mechanisms to recognize socially unfamiliar individuals and own offspring. As Siberian jays show a high degree of nepotism during foraging and predator encounters, inclusive fitness benefits may play a role for the evolution of fine-scale kin recognition. More generally, our results suggest that fine-graded kin recognition can evolve independently of social familiarity, highlighting the evolutionary importance of kin recognition for social species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Griesser
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter Halvarsson
- Animal Ecology, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Szymon M Drobniak
- Anthropological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carles Vilà
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
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14
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Hamilton J, Vonk J. Do dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) prefer family? Behav Processes 2015; 119:123-34. [PMID: 26277060 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Kin recognition requires the ability to discriminate between one's own genetic relatives and non-relatives. There are two mechanisms that aid in kin discrimination: phenotype matching and familiarity. Dogs may be a good model for assessing these mechanisms as dogs are a promiscuous social species with a keen sense of smell. Domestic dogs of both sexes were presented with two scents (close kin, distant-kin) and preference was assessed through three measures (latency to approach, number of visits, time spent). Experiment 1 explored the possibility of phenotype matching as subjects had no contact with sires, whose scent was presented alongside a control male's scent. Experiment 2 explored recognition of siblings raised with the subjects and then separated at seven weeks of age. Whereas female dogs in this experiment did not show a statistically significant preference, male dogs showed a preference for distant-kin when presented with sire and female sibling samples.
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15
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Hain TJ, Garner SR, Ramnarine IW, Neff BD. Multiple mating predicts intensity but not mechanism of kin recognition. Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Capodeanu-Nägler A, Rapkin J, Sakaluk SK, Hunt J, Steiger S. Self-recognition in crickets via on-line processing. Curr Biol 2014; 24:R1117-8. [PMID: 25465327 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - James Rapkin
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Scott K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution and Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4120, USA
| | - John Hunt
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Tremough Campus, Penryn, TR10 9EZ, UK
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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“Armpit effect” in an African cichlid fish: self-referent kin recognition in mating decisions of male Pelvicachromis taeniatus. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1626-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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20
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Hinz C, Kobbenbring S, Kress S, Sigman L, Müller A, Gerlach G. Kin recognition in zebrafish, Danio rerio, is based on imprinting on olfactory and visual stimuli. Anim Behav 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2013.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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21
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Lewis JS, Wartzok D, Heithaus M, Krützen M. Could relatedness help explain why individuals lead in bottlenose dolphin groups? PLoS One 2013; 8:e58162. [PMID: 23516445 PMCID: PMC3596398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In many species, particular individuals consistently lead group travel. While benefits to followers often are relatively obvious, including access to resources, benefits to leaders are often less obvious. This is especially true for species that feed on patchy mobile resources where all group members may locate prey simultaneously and food intake likely decreases with increasing group size. Leaders in highly complex habitats, however, could provide access to foraging resources for less informed relatives, thereby gaining indirect benefits by helping kin. Recently, leadership has been documented in a population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) where direct benefits to leaders appear unlikely. To test whether leaders could benefit indirectly we examined relatedness between leader-follower pairs and compared these levels to pairs who associated but did not have leader-follower relationship (neither ever led the other). We found the average relatedness value for leader-follower pairs was greater than expected based on chance. The same was not found when examining non leader-follower pairs. Additionally, relatedness for leader-follower pairs was positively correlated with association index values, but no correlation was found for this measure in non leader-follower pairs. Interestingly, haplotypes were not frequently shared between leader-follower pairs (25%). Together, these results suggest that bottlenose dolphin leaders have the opportunity to gain indirect benefits by leading relatives. These findings provide a potential mechanism for the maintenance of leadership in a highly dynamic fission-fusion population with few obvious direct benefits to leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Lewis
- Florida International University, Department of Biological Sciences, Miami, Florida, USA.
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22
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Kin recognition by phenotype matching is family- rather than self-referential in juvenile cichlid fish. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2012.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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23
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Henkel AJ, Garner SR, Neff BD. Effects of Paternal Reproductive Tactic on Juvenile Behaviour and Kin Recognition in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Ethology 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01894.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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25
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Svensson O, Lissåker M, Mobley KB. Offspring recognition and the influence of clutch size on nest fostering among male sand gobies, Pomatoschistus minutus. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-010-0947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hain TJA, Neff BD. Kinship affects innate responses to a predator in bluegill Lepomis macrochirus larvae. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2009; 75:728-737. [PMID: 20738571 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02343.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Naïve kin groups and mixed-family groups of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus larvae were exposed to a novel predator cue. The larvae responded by increasing shoal cohesiveness in kin groups but not in mixed-family groups; moreover, larvae sired by males of the 'cuckolder' life history tended to have an enhanced ability to respond to direct cues of kinship v. larvae sired by males of the 'parental' life history, which instead appeared to respond to cues of life history rather than relatedness per se. The increased shoal cohesion among related individuals probably confers a survival benefit and indicates that the antipredatory shoaling response is innate in L. macrochirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J A Hain
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
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27
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Thünken T, Waltschyk N, Bakker TCM, Kullmann H. Olfactory self-recognition in a cichlid fish. Anim Cogn 2009; 12:717-24. [PMID: 19462188 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-009-0231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Revised: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Animal self-cognizance might be of importance in different contexts like territoriality, self-referent mate-choice or kin recognition. We investigated whether the cichlid fish Pelvicachromis taeniatus is able to recognize own olfactory cues. P. taeniatus is a cave breeding fish with pronounced brood care and social behavior. In the experiments we gave male cave owners the choice between two caves in which we introduced scented water. In a first experiment males preferred caves with their own odor over caves with the odor of an unfamiliar, unrelated male. To examine whether self-recognition is based rather on individual or on family cues we conducted two further experiments in which males could choose between their own odor and the odor of a familiar brother and between the odor of a familiar brother and an unfamiliar, unrelated male, respectively. Males preferred their own odor over that of a familiar brother suggesting individual self-referencing. Interestingly, males (at least outbred ones) preferred the odor of an unfamiliar, unrelated male over that of a familiar brother, maybe to avoid competition with kin. We discuss the results in the context of animal self-cognizance. All experiments were conducted with in- and outbred fish. Inbreeding did not negatively affect self-recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Thünken
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, Bonn 53121, Germany.
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Platek SM, Krill AL, Wilson B. Implicit trustworthiness ratings of self-resembling faces activate brain centers involved in reward. Neuropsychologia 2009; 47:289-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2008.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 06/11/2008] [Accepted: 07/15/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Costello CM, Creel SR, Kalinowski ST, Vu NV, Quigley HB. Sex-biased natal dispersal and inbreeding avoidance in American black bears as revealed by spatial genetic analyses. Mol Ecol 2008; 17:4713-23. [PMID: 18828781 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-294x.2008.03930.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecily M Costello
- Hornocker Wildlife Institute and Wildlife Conservation Society, 301 N Wilson Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA.
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Gerlach G, Hodgins-Davis A, Avolio C, Schunter C. Kin recognition in zebrafish: a 24-hour window for olfactory imprinting. Proc Biol Sci 2008; 275:2165-70. [PMID: 18544507 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.0647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinguishing kin from non-kin profoundly impacts the evolution of social behaviour. Individuals able to assess the genetic relatedness of conspecifics can preferentially allocate resources towards related individuals and avoid inbreeding. We have addressed the question of how animals acquire the ability to recognize kin by studying the development of olfactory kin preference in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Previously, we showed that zebrafish use an olfactory template to recognize even unfamiliar kin through phenotype matching. Here, we show for the first time that this phenotype matching is based on a learned olfactory imprinting process in which exposure to kin individuals on day 6 post fertilization (pf) is necessary and sufficient for imprinting. Larvae that were exposed to kin before or after but not on day 6 pf did not recognize kin. Larvae isolated from all contact with conspecifics did not imprint on their own chemical cues; therefore, we see no evidence for kin recognition through self-matching in this species. Surprisingly, exposure to non-kin odour during the sensitive phase of development did not result in imprinting on the odour cues of unrelated individuals, suggesting a genetic predisposition to kin odour. Urine-born peptides expressed by genes of the immune system (MHC) are important messengers carrying information about 'self' and 'other'. We suggest that phenotype matching is acquired through a time-sensitive learning process that, in zebrafish, includes a genetic predisposition potentially involving MHC genes expressed in the olfactory receptor neurons.
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Mehlis M, Bakker TCM, Frommen JG. Smells like sib spirit: kin recognition in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is mediated by olfactory cues. Anim Cogn 2008; 11:643-50. [PMID: 18465154 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-008-0154-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2007] [Revised: 03/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The ability to recognise kin has been demonstrated in several animal species. However, the mechanisms of kin recognition often remain unknown. The most frequently discussed sensory modalities to recognise kin are visual, olfactory and acoustical cues. Three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) are able to differentiate between kin and non-kin when presented visual and olfactory cues combined. To elucidate, which cues they use to recognise kin female sticklebacks were given the choice between two identical computer animations of courting stickleback males. Next to one animation, water conditioned by a brother was added, while near the other, water from an unrelated male was added. In half of the experiments, the brother was familiar while in the other half he was unfamiliar to the female. Both scenarios were carried out with both outbred and inbred fish. The results showed that the females adjusted their choice behaviour according to relatedness. Furthermore, they were able to recognise both familiar as well as unfamiliar brothers. Inbreeding did not affect this ability. Hence, three-spined sticklebacks are able to recognise their relatives using olfactory cues alone. The cognitive mechanisms underlying this ability were independent from familiarity and not impaired by inbreeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mehlis
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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Kozak GM, Boughman JW. Experience influences shoal member preference in a species pair of sticklebacks. Behav Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arn022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Thünken T, Bakker TCM, Baldauf SA, Kullmann H. Direct Familiarity Does Not Alter Mating Preference for Sisters in Male Pelvicachromis taeniatus (Cichlidae). Ethology 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2007.01422.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Frommen JG, Luz C, Bakker TCM. Kin discrimination in sticklebacks is mediated by social learning rather than innate recognition. Ethology 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2006.01316.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Thünken T, Bakker TCM, Baldauf SA, Kullmann H. Active Inbreeding in a Cichlid Fish and Its Adaptive Significance. Curr Biol 2007; 17:225-9. [PMID: 17276915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2006.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 11/13/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Levels of inbreeding are highly variable in natural populations. Inbreeding can be due to random factors (like population size), limited dispersal, or active mate choice for relatives. Because of inbreeding depression, mating with kin is often avoided, although sometimes intermediately related individuals are preferred (optimal outbreeding). However, theory predicts that the advantages of mating with close kin can override the effects of inbreeding depression, but in the animal kingdom, empirical evidence for this is scarce. Here we show that both sexes of Pelvicachromis taeniatus, an African cichlid with biparental brood care, prefer mating with unfamiliar close kin over nonkin, suggesting inclusive fitness advantages for inbreeding individuals. Biparental care requires synchronous behavior among parents. Since parental care is costly, there is a conflict between parents over care, which can reduce offspring fitness. Relatedness is expected to enhance cooperation among individuals. The comparison of the parental behavior of in- and outbreeding pairs showed that related parents were more cooperative and invested more than unrelated parents. Since we found no evidence for inbreeding depression, our results suggest that in P. taeniatus, inbreeding is an advantageous strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Thünken
- Institute for Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, D-53121 Bonn, Germany.
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Hauber ME, Safran RJ. Behavioural ecology: promiscuous fathers sire young that recognize true family. Curr Biol 2006; 16:R797-800. [PMID: 16979546 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2006.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Most theories of kin selection assume that animals are able to distinguish relatives from non-relatives. This is especially difficult in situations where mixed parentage precludes that relatedness is recognised by familiarity. Recent work shows that, within the same brood, young bluegill sunfish that are fathered by cuckolders--but not those sired by parental males--pick out their relatives using self-referent phenotype matching and not familiarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Hauber
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
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