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Sheehan MJ, Jernigan CM. How does communication evolve? Insights from geographic variation in facial signaling in Polistes paper wasps. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 66:101258. [PMID: 39244087 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Communication systems require coordination between senders and receivers; therefore, understanding how novel signals arise is challenging. Intraspecific geographic variation in signaling provides an opportunity to investigate the factors that shape signal evolution. Facial signals in Polistes paper wasps provide an interesting case study for the causes and consequences of geographic variation in signaling systems. Two species of paper wasps, Polistes dominula and Polistes fuscatus, have been well studied for their facial patterns that signal quality and individual identity, respectively. Remarkably, whether or not facial patterns are used as signals at all appears to vary geographically in both species. The relative evidence for the roles of phenotypic plasticity versus genetic differentiation is discussed. Future research directions that leverage geographic variation in Polistes hold promise to substantially contribute to understanding the links between signals and behavior, as well as the evolution of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Sheehan
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Christopher M Jernigan
- Laboratory for Animal Social Evolution and Recognition, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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2
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Britton S, Davidowitz G. No evidence for the melanin desiccation hypothesis in a larval Lepidopteran. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 156:104669. [PMID: 38936542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Water regulation is an important physiological challenge for insects due to their small body sizes and large surface area to volume ratios. Adaptations for decreasing cuticular water loss, the largest avenue of loss, are especially important. The melanin desiccation hypothesis states that melanin molecules in the cuticle may help prevent water loss, thus offering protection from desiccation. This hypothesis has much empirical support in Drosophila species, but remains mostly untested in other taxa, including Lepidoptera. Because melanin has many other important functions in insects, its potential role in desiccation prevention is not always clear. In this study we investigated the role of melanin in desiccation prevention in the white-lined Sphinx moth, Hyles lineata (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae), which shows high plasticity in the degree of melanin pigmentation during the late larval instars. We took advantage of this plasticity and used density treatments to induce a wide range of cuticular melanization; solitary conditions induced low melanin pigmentation while crowded conditions induced high melanin pigmentation. We tested whether more melanic larvae from the crowded treatment were better protected from desiccation in three relevant responses: i) total water loss over a desiccation period, ii) change in hemolymph osmolality over a desiccation period, and iii) evaporation rate of water through the cuticle. We did not find support for the melanin desiccation hypothesis in this species. Although treatment influenced total water loss, this effect did not occur via degree of melanization. Interestingly, this implies that crowding, which was used to induce high melanin phenotypes, may have other physiological effects that influence water regulation. There were no differences between treatments in cuticular evaporative water loss or change in hemolymph osmolality. However, we conclude that osmolality may not sufficiently reflect water loss in this case. This study emphasizes the context dependency of melanin's role in desiccation prevention and the importance of considering how it may vary across taxa. In lepidopteran larvae that are constantly feeding phytophagous insects with soft cuticles, melanin may not be necessary for preventing cuticular water loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Britton
- University of Arizona, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, USA.
| | - Goggy Davidowitz
- University of Arizona, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, USA; University of Arizona, Department of Entomology, USA
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3
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Fiocca K, Congdon R, O’Donnell S. Body size correlations with female aggression and physiology suggest pre-adult effects on caste in an independent-founding eusocial paper wasp (Mischocyttarus pallidipectus, Hymenoptera Vespidae). ETHOL ECOL EVOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03949370.2021.2024270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Fiocca
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rheanna Congdon
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sean O’Donnell
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Biodiversity Earth and Environmental Science, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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4
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Hyeun-Ji L, Rendón MÁ, Liedtke HC, Gomez-Mestre I. Shifts in the developmental rate of spadefoot toad larvae cause decreased complexity of post-metamorphic pigmentation patterns. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19624. [PMID: 33184389 PMCID: PMC7665075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibian larvae are plastic organisms that can adjust their growth and developmental rates to local environmental conditions. The consequences of such developmental alterations have been studied in detail, both at the phenotypic and physiological levels. While largely unknown, it is of great importance to assess how developmental alterations affect the pigmentation pattern of the resulting metamorphs, because pigmentation is relevant for communication, mate choice, and camouflage and hence influences the overall fitness of the toads. Here we quantify the variation in several aspects of the pigmentation pattern of juvenile spadefoot toads experimentally induced to accelerate their larval development in response to decreased water level. It is known that induced developmental acceleration comes at the cost of reduced size at metamorphosis, higher metabolic rate, and increased oxidative stress. In this study, we show that spadefoot toads undergoing developmental acceleration metamorphosed with a less complex, more homogeneous, darker dorsal pattern consisting of continuous blotches, compared to the more contrasted pattern with segregated blotches and higher fractal dimension in normally developing individuals, and at a smaller size. We also observed a marked effect of population of origin in the complexity of the pigmentation pattern. Complexity of the post-metamorphic dorsal pigmentation could therefore be linked to pre-metamorphic larval growth and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Hyeun-Ji
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Rendón
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Hans Christoph Liedtke
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ivan Gomez-Mestre
- Ecology, Evolution, and Development Group, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain.
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Doñana Biological Station, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 41092, Seville, Spain.
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Cini A, Cappa F, Pepiciello I, Platania L, Dapporto L, Cervo R. Sight in a Clique, Scent in Society: Plasticity in the Use of Nestmate Recognition Cues Along Colony Development in the Social Wasp Polistes dominula. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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6
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Dobelmann J, Alexander A, Baty JW, Gemmell NJ, Gruber MAM, Quinn O, Wenseleers T, Lester PJ. The association between mitochondrial genetic variation and reduced colony fitness in an invasive wasp. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:3324-3338. [PMID: 31233636 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the mitochondrion's long-recognized role in energy production, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation commonly found in natural populations was assumed to be effectively neutral. However, variation in mtDNA has now been increasingly linked to phenotypic variation in life history traits and fitness. We examined whether the relative fitness in native and invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) populations in Belgium and New Zealand (NZ), respectively, can be linked to mtDNA variation. Social wasp colonies in NZ were smaller with comparatively fewer queen cells, indicating a reduced relative fitness in the invaded range. Interestingly, queen cells in this population were significantly larger leading to larger queen offspring. By sequencing 1,872 bp of the mitochondrial genome, we determined mitochondrial haplotypes and detected reduced genetic diversity in NZ. Three common haplotypes in NZ frequently produced many queens, whereas the four rare haplotypes produced significantly fewer or no queens. The entire mitochondrial genome for each of these haplotypes was sequenced to identify polymorphisms associated with fitness reduction. We found 16 variable sites; however, no nonsynonymous mutation that was clearly causing impaired mitochondrial function was detected. We discuss how detected variants may alter secondary structures, gene expression or mito-nuclear interactions, or could be associated with nuclear-encoded variation. Whatever the ultimate mechanism, we show reduced fitness and mtDNA variation in an invasive wasp population as well as specific mtDNA variants associated with fitness variation within this population. Ours is one of only a few studies that confirm fitness impacts of mtDNA variation in wild nonmodel populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Dobelmann
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Alana Alexander
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - James W Baty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Neil J Gemmell
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Monica A M Gruber
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Oliver Quinn
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Tom Wenseleers
- Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Philip J Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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7
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Chaine AS, Shizuka D, Block TA, Zhang L, Lyon BE. Manipulating badges of status only fools strangers. Ecol Lett 2018; 21:1477-1485. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexis S. Chaine
- Station d'Ecologie Théorique et Expérimentale du CNRS (UMR5321); Evolutionary Ecology Group; 2 route du, CNRS 09200 Moulis France
- Institute for Advanced Studies in Toulouse; Toulouse School of Economics; 21 allée de Brienne 31015 Toulouse France
| | - Daizaburo Shizuka
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Nebraska-Lincoln; NE 68588 USA
| | - Theadora A. Block
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Lynn Zhang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
| | - Bruce E. Lyon
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of California; Santa Cruz CA 95064 USA
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Tibbetts EA, Mullen SP, Dale J. Signal function drives phenotypic and genetic diversity: the effects of signalling individual identity, quality or behavioural strategy. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0347. [PMID: 28533463 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal coloration is influenced by selection pressures associated with communication. During communication, signallers display traits that inform receivers and modify receiver behaviour in ways that benefit signallers. Here, we discuss how selection on signallers to convey different kinds of information influences animal phenotypes and genotypes. Specifically, we address the phenotypic and genetic consequences of communicating three different kinds of information: individual identity, behavioural strategy and quality. Previous work has shown signals that convey different kinds of information differ in terms of the (i) type of selection acting on signallers (e.g. directional, stabilizing, or negative frequency dependent), and (ii) developmental basis of signals (i.e. heritability, genetic architecture). These differences result in signals that convey different information having consistently different phenotypic properties, including the amount, modality and continuity of intraspecific variation. Understanding how communication influences animal phenotypes may allow researchers to quickly identify putative functions of colour variation prior to experimentation. Signals that convey different information will also have divergent evolutionary consequences. For example, signalling individual identity can increase genetic diversity, signalling quality may decrease diversity, and signalling strategy can constrain adaptation and contribute to speciation. Considering recent advances in genomic resources, our framework highlights new opportunities to resolve the evolutionary consequences of selection on communication across diverse taxa and signal types.This article is part of the themed issue 'Animal coloration: production, perception, function and application'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sean P Mullen
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - James Dale
- Institute of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0745, New Zealand
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Pérez-Rodríguez L, Jovani R, Stevens M. Shape matters: animal colour patterns as signals of individual quality. Proc Biol Sci 2018; 284:rspb.2016.2446. [PMID: 28228513 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colour patterns (e.g. irregular, spotted or barred forms) are widespread in the animal kingdom, yet their potential role as signals of quality has been mostly neglected. However, a review of the published literature reveals that pattern itself (irrespective of its size or colour intensity) is a promising signal of individual quality across species of many different taxa. We propose at least four main pathways whereby patterns may reliably reflect individual quality: (i) as conventional signals of status, (ii) as indices of developmental homeostasis, (iii) by amplifying cues of somatic integrity and (iv) by amplifying individual investment in maintenance activities. Methodological constraints have traditionally hampered research on the signalling potential of colour patterns. To overcome this, we report a series of tools (e.g. colour adjacency and pattern regularity analyses, Fourier and granularity approaches, fractal geometry, geometric morphometrics) that allow objective quantification of pattern variability. We discuss how information provided by these methods should consider the visual system of the model species and behavioural responses to pattern metrics, in order to allow biologically meaningful conclusions. Finally, we propose future challenges in this research area that will require a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together inputs from genetics, physiology, behavioural ecology and evolutionary-developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Roger Jovani
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avenida Américo Vespucio 26, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Martin Stevens
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
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Grunst ML, Grunst AS, Formica VA, Gonser RA, Tuttle EM. Multiple signaling functions of song in a polymorphic species with alternative reproductive strategies. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:1369-1383. [PMID: 29375804 PMCID: PMC5773301 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.3702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Vocal traits can be sexually selected to reflect male quality, but may also evolve to serve additional signaling functions. We used a long-term dataset to examine the signaling potential of song in dimorphic white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis). We investigated whether song conveys multifaceted information about the vocalizing individual, including fitness, species identity, individual identity, and morph. We also evaluated whether song traits correlate differently with fitness in the two morphs, as the more promiscuous strategy of white, relative to tan, morph males might impose stronger sexual selection. Males with high song rates achieved higher lifetime reproductive success, and this pattern was driven by white morph males. In addition, males that sang songs with many notes survived longer, but this pattern was less robust. Thus, song traits reflect differences in fitness and may more strongly affect fitness in the white morph. Song frequency was unrelated to fitness, body size, or morph, but was individual specific and could signal individual identity. Songs of the two morphs displayed similar frequency ratios and bandwidths. However, tan morph males sang songs with longer first notes, fewer notes, and higher variability. Thus, song could be used in morph discrimination. Variation in frequency ratios between notes was low and could function in conspecific recognition, but pitch change dynamics did differ between four different song types observed. Our results support a multiple messages model for white-throated sparrow song, in which different song traits communicate discrete information about the vocalizing individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Grunst
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | - Andrea S Grunst
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | | | - Rusty A Gonser
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
| | - Elaina M Tuttle
- Department of Biology Indiana State University Terre Haute IN USA
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11
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Sheehan MJ, Choo J, Tibbetts EA. Heritable variation in colour patterns mediating individual recognition. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:161008. [PMID: 28386452 PMCID: PMC5367277 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.161008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the developmental and evolutionary processes that generate and maintain variation in natural populations remains a major challenge for modern biology. Populations of Polistes fuscatus paper wasps have highly variable colour patterns that mediate individual recognition. Previous experimental and comparative studies have provided evidence that colour pattern diversity is the result of selection for individuals to advertise their identity. Distinctive identity-signalling phenotypes facilitate recognition, which reduces aggression between familiar individuals in P. fuscatus wasps. Selection for identity signals may increase phenotypic diversity via two distinct modes of selection that have different effects on genetic diversity. Directional selection for increased plasticity would greatly increase phenotypic diversity but decrease genetic diversity at associated loci. Alternatively, heritable identity signals under balancing selection would maintain genetic diversity at associated loci. Here, we assess whether there is heritable variation underlying colour pattern diversity used for facial recognition in a wild population of P. fuscatus wasps. We find that colour patterns are heritable and not Mendelian, suggesting that multiple loci are involved. Additionally, patterns of genetic correlations among traits indicated that many of the loci underlying colour pattern variation are unlinked and independently segregating. Our results support a model where the benefits of being recognizable maintain genetic variation at multiple unlinked loci that code for phenotypic diversity used for recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Sheehan
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca 14853, NY, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
| | - Juanita Choo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Elizabeth A. Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48190, MI, USA
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12
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Grunst AS, Grunst ML, Rathbun NA, Hubbard JK, Safran RJ, Gonser RA, Tuttle EM. Disruptive selection on plumage coloration across genetically determined morphs. Anim Behav 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2016.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Tibbetts EA, Forrest T, Vernier C, Jinn J, Madagame A. Socially selected ornaments and fitness: Signals of fighting ability in paper wasps are positively associated with survival, reproductive success, and rank. Evolution 2015; 69:2917-26. [PMID: 26456701 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12793] [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: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many animals have ornaments that mediate choice and competition in social and sexual contexts. Individuals with elaborate sexual ornaments typically have higher fitness than those with less elaborate ornaments, but less is known about whether socially selected ornaments are associated with fitness. Here, we test the relationship between fitness and facial patterns that are a socially selected signal of fighting ability in Polistes dominula wasps. We found wasps that signal higher fighting ability have larger nests, are more likely to survive harsh winters, and obtain higher dominance rank than wasps that signal lower fighting ability. In comparison, body weight was not associated with fitness. Larger wasps were dominant over smaller wasps, but showed no difference in nest size or survival. Overall, the positive relationship between wasp facial patterns and fitness indicates that receivers can obtain diverse information about a signaler's phenotypic quality by paying attention to socially selected ornaments. Therefore, there are surprisingly strong parallels between the information conveyed by socially and sexually selected signals. Similar fitness relationships in social and sexually selected signals may be one reason it can be difficult to distinguish the role of social versus sexual selection in ornament evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109.
| | - Taylor Forrest
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
| | - Cassondra Vernier
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109.,Current Address: Department of Biology, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Judy Jinn
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109.,Current Address: Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - Andrew Madagame
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
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15
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Intrasexual selection drives sensitivity to pitch, formants and duration in the competitive calls of fallow bucks. BMC Evol Biol 2015; 15:149. [PMID: 26279584 PMCID: PMC4538740 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-015-0429-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mammal vocal parameters such as fundamental frequency (or pitch; fo) and formant dispersion often provide information about quality traits of the producer (e.g. dominance and body size), suggesting that they are sexually selected. However, little experimental evidence exists demonstrating the importance of these cues in intrasexual competition, particularly fo. Male Fallow deer (bucks) produce an extremely low pitched groan. Bucks have a descended larynx and generate fo well below what is expected for animals of their size. Groan parameters are linked to caller dominance, body size and condition, suggesting that groans are the product of sexual selection. Using a playback experiment, we presented bucks with groans that had been manipulated to alter vocal cues to these male characteristics and compared the response to the same, non-modified (natural) groans. Results We experimentally examined the ability of bucks to utilise putative cues to dominance (fo), body size (formant frequencies) and condition (groan duration), when assessing competitors. We found that bucks treated groans with lowered fo (more dominant), and lowered formant frequencies (larger caller) as more threatening. By contrast, groans with raised formant frequencies (smaller caller), and shorter durations (more fatigued caller) were treated as less threatening. Conclusions Our results indicate that intrasexual selection is driving groans to concurrently convey caller dominance, body size and condition. They represent the first experimental demonstration of the importance of fo in male competition in non-human mammals, and show that bucks have advanced perception abilities that allow them to extract information based on relatively small changes in key parameters. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-015-0429-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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16
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Sheehan MJ, Bergman TJ. Is there an evolutionary trade-off between quality signaling and social recognition? Behav Ecol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arv109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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17
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Izzo A, Tibbetts EA. Heightened Condition Dependence of a Sexually Selected Signal in MalePolistes dominulusPaper Wasps. Ethology 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Izzo
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
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18
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Giannoni-Guzmán MA, Avalos A, Marrero Perez J, Otero Loperena EJ, Kayım M, Medina JA, Massey SE, Kence M, Kence A, Giray T, Agosto-Rivera JL. Measuring individual locomotor rhythms in honey bees, paper wasps and other similar-sized insects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:1307-15. [PMID: 24436380 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.096180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms in social insects are highly plastic and are modulated by multiple factors. In addition, complex behaviors such as sun-compass orientation and time learning are clearly regulated by the circadian system in these organisms. Despite these unique features of social insect clocks, the mechanisms as well as the functional and evolutionary relevance of these traits remain largely unknown. Here we show a modification of the Drosophila activity monitoring (DAM) system that allowed us to measure locomotor rhythms of the honey bee, Apis mellifera (three variants; gAHB, carnica and caucasica), and two paper wasps (Polistes crinitus and Mischocyttarus phthisicus). A side-by-side comparison of the endogenous period under constant darkness (free-running period) led us to the realization that these social insects exhibit significant deviations from the Earth's 24 h rotational period as well as a large degree of inter-individual variation compared with Drosophila. Experiments at different temperatures, using honey bees as a model, revealed that testing the endogenous rhythm at 35°C, which is the hive's core temperature, results in average periods closer to 24 h compared with 25°C (23.8 h at 35°C versus 22.7 h at 25°C). This finding suggests that the degree of tuning of circadian temperature compensation varies among different organisms. We expect that the commercial availability, cost-effectiveness and integrated nature of this monitoring system will facilitate the growth of the circadian field in these social insects and catalyze our understanding of the mechanisms as well as the functional and evolutionary relevance of circadian rhythms.
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Sheehan MJ, Straub MA, Tibbetts EA. How Does Individual Recognition Evolve? Comparing Responses to Identity Information inPolistesSpecies with and Without Individual Recognition. Ethology 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Sheehan
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
| | - Michael A. Straub
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor MI USA
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Taylor CH, Gilbert F, Reader T. Distance transform: a tool for the study of animal colour patterns. Methods Ecol Evol 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H. Taylor
- School of Biology University of Nottingham University Park Campus Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Francis Gilbert
- School of Biology University of Nottingham University Park Campus Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Tom Reader
- School of Biology University of Nottingham University Park Campus Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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21
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Rodrigues AMM, Gardner A. Evolution of helping and harming in heterogeneous groups. Evolution 2013; 67:2284-98. [PMID: 23888851 DOI: 10.1111/evo.12110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Social groups are often composed of individuals who differ in many respects. Theoretical studies on the evolution of helping and harming behaviors have largely focused upon genetic differences between individuals. However, nongenetic variation between group members is widespread in natural populations, and may mediate differences in individuals' social behavior. Here, we develop a framework to study how variation in individual quality mediates the evolution of unconditional and conditional social traits. We investigate the scope for the evolution of social traits that are conditional on the quality of the actor and/or recipients. We find that asymmetries in individual quality can lead to the evolution of plastic traits with different individuals expressing helping and harming traits within the same group. In this context, population viscosity can mediate the evolution of social traits, and local competition can promote both helping and harming behaviors. Furthermore, asymmetries in individual quality can lead to the evolution of competition-like traits between clonal individuals. Overall, we highlight the importance of asymmetries in individual quality, including differences in reproductive value and the ability to engage in successful social interactions, in mediating the evolution of helping and harming behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- António M M Rodrigues
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, United Kingdom.
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22
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Green JP, Leadbeater E, Carruthers JM, Rosser NS, Lucas ER, Field J. Clypeal patterning in the paper wasp Polistes dominulus: no evidence of adaptive value in the wild. Behav Ecol 2013. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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23
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Tibbetts EA. The Function, Development, and Evolutionary Stability of Conventional Signals of Fighting Ability. ADVANCES IN THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407186-5.00002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Individual Recognition and the Evolution of Learning and Memory in Polistes Paper Wasps. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-415823-8.00042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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25
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Wiley RH. Specificity and multiplicity in the recognition of individuals: implications for the evolution of social behaviour. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2012; 88:179-95. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2012.00246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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26
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Weddle CB, Mitchell C, Bay SK, Sakaluk SK, Hunt J. Sex-specific genotype-by-environment interactions for cuticular hydrocarbon expression in decorated crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus: implications for the evolution of signal reliability. J Evol Biol 2012; 25:2112-2125. [PMID: 22900500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2012.02593.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phenotypic traits that convey information about individual identity or quality are important in animal social interactions, and the degree to which such traits are influenced by environmental variation can have profound effects on the reliability of these cues. Using inbred genetic lines of the decorated cricket, Gryllodes sigillatus, we manipulated diet quality to test how the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of males and females respond across two different nutritional rearing environments. There were significant differences between lines in the CHC profiles of females, but the effect of diet was not quite statistically significant. There was no significant genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI), suggesting that environmental effects on phenotypic variation in female CHCs are independent of genotype. There was, however, a significant effect of GEI for males, with changes in both signal quantity and content, suggesting that environmental effects on phenotypic expression of male CHCs are dependent on genotype. The differential response of male and female CHC expression to variation in the nutritional environment suggests that these chemical cues may be under sex-specific selection for signal reliability. Female CHCs show the characteristics of reliable cues of identity: high genetic variability, low condition dependence and a high degree of genetic determination. This supports earlier work showing that female CHCs are used in self-recognition to identify previous mates and facilitate polyandry. In contrast, male CHCs show the characteristics of reliable cues of quality: condition dependence and a relatively higher degree of environmental determination. This suggests that male CHCs are likely to function as cues of underlying quality during mate choice and/or male dominance interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Weddle
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - C Mitchell
- Center for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - S K Bay
- Center for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
| | - S K Sakaluk
- Behavior, Ecology, Evolution & Systematics Section, School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, IL, USA
| | - J Hunt
- Center for Ecology & Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, UK
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Green JP, Rose C, Field J. The Role of Climatic Factors in the Expression of an Intrasexual Signal in the Paper Wasp Polistes dominulus. Ethology 2012. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2012.02067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles Rose
- School of Life Sciences; University of Sussex; Brighton; UK
| | - Jeremy Field
- School of Life Sciences; University of Sussex; Brighton; UK
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28
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Gherardi F, Aquiloni L, Tricarico E. Revisiting social recognition systems in invertebrates. Anim Cogn 2012; 15:745-62. [PMID: 22639070 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-012-0513-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1970s, the ability of some invertebrate species to recognize individual conspecifics has attracted increased scientific interest. However, there is still confusion in the literature, possibly due to the lack of unambiguous criteria for classifying social recognition in its different forms. Here, we synthesize the results of studies on invertebrates and provide a framework with the purpose of identifying research needs and directions for future investigations. Following in part Sherman et al.'s (Behavioural ecology: an evolutionary approach. Blackwell Science, Oxford, pp 69-96, 1997) definition of 'recognition systems' and Tibbetts and Dale's (Trends Ecol Evol 22:529-537, 2007) classification of 'individual recognition,' we first discuss different case studies that exemplify the categories of 'familiar recognition' and 'class-level recognition.' Then, through the analysis of the invertebrate literature, we illustrate eight key properties that characterize 'true individual recognition' systems. We are confident that the proposed framework will provide opportunities for exciting discoveries of the cognitive abilities in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gherardi
- Department of Evolutionary Biology Leo Pardi, University of Florence, Via Romana 17, 50125, Florence, Italy.
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29
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Tedore C, Johnsen S. Weaponry, color, and contest success in the jumping spider Lyssomanes viridis. Behav Processes 2012; 89:203-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Tibbetts EA, Skaldina O, Zhao V, Toth AL, Skaldin M, Beani L, Dale J. Geographic variation in the status signals of Polistes dominulus paper wasps. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28173. [PMID: 22174776 PMCID: PMC3235107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding intraspecific geographic variation in animal signals poses a challenging evolutionary problem. Studies addressing geographic variation typically focus on signals used in mate-choice, however, geographic variation in intrasexual signals involved in competition is also known to occur. In Polistes dominulus paper wasps, females have black facial spots that signal dominance: individuals wasps with more complex ‘broken’ facial patterns are better fighters and are avoided by rivals. Recent work suggests there is dramatic geographic variation in these visual signals of quality, though this variation has not been explicitly described or quantified. Here, we analyze variation in P. dominulus signals across six populations and explore how environmental conditions may account for this variation. Overall, we found substantial variation in facial pattern brokenness across populations and castes. Workers have less broken facial patterns than gynes and queens, which have similar facial patterns. Strepsipteran parasitism, body size and temperature are all correlated with the facial pattern variation, suggesting that developmental plasticity likely plays a key role in this variation. First, the extent of parasitism varies across populations and parasitized individuals have lower facial pattern brokenness than unparasitized individuals. Second, there is substantial variation in body size across populations and a weak but significant relationship between facial pattern brokenness and body size. Wasps from populations with smaller body size (e.g. Italy) tend to have less broken facial patterns than wasps from populations with larger body size (e.g. New York, USA). Third, there is an apparent association between facial patterns and climate, with wasp from cooler locations tending to have higher facial pattern brokenness than wasps from warmer locations. Additional experimental work testing the causes and consequences of facial pattern variation will be important, as geographic variation in signals has important consequences for the evolution of communication systems and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Tibbetts
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Oksana Skaldina
- Department of Nature Protection Nikitsky Botanical Garden, National Scientific Center Nikita, Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine
| | - Vera Zhao
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Toth
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology and Department of Entomology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Maksim Skaldin
- Joint Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Mathematics and Natural Sciences Faculty, University of Turku, BioCity 6A, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Beani
- Department of Evolutionary Biology “Leo Pardi”, University of Florence, Firenze, Italia
| | - James Dale
- Institute of Natural Sciences, Albany Campus, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand
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Tibbetts EA, Sheehan MJ. Facial Patterns are a Conventional Signal of Agonistic Ability in Polistes exclamans Paper Wasps. Ethology 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2011.01967.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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32
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Sheehan MJ, Tibbetts EA. Condition dependence and the origins of elevated fluctuating asymmetry in quality signals. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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33
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Recognition of a paper wasp social parasite by its host: evidence for a visual signal reducing host aggressiveness. Anim Behav 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2010.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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34
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Tibbetts EA. The condition dependence and heritability of signaling and nonsignaling color traits in paper wasps. Am Nat 2010; 175:495-503. [PMID: 20302424 DOI: 10.1086/651596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Research on quality signal development typically focuses on signals with production costs; less is known about signals that lack production costs (conventional signals). Here, I test the condition dependence and heritability of the facial patterns that function as a conventional signal of quality in Polistes dominulus wasps. Two aspects of facial patterns are compared: (1) amount of black pigment (no signal value) and (2) disruption in the black pigment's distribution (quality signal). When colonies received the same diet, they produced offspring with similar facial patterns and both traits were heritable. However, experimental diet manipulation substantially influenced quality signal development. Wasps fed unlimited caterpillars developed more disrupted facial patterns than wasps fed a restricted diet. Further, signal heritability was obscured following the diet treatment. In contrast, the nonsignaling trait was not influenced by the diet treatment and remained heritable. Overall, the quality signal in P. dominulus is condition dependent and heritable, but its heritability may be obscured by environmental variance. The nonsignaling aspect of wasp facial patterns is not condition dependent and is more consistently heritable across environments. Therefore, the information a signal conveys may be influenced by its developmental properties rather than its honesty-ensuring cost or the pigments that constitute it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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Tibbetts EA, Banan M. Advertised quality, caste and food availability influence the survival cost of juvenile hormone in paper wasps. Proc Biol Sci 2010; 277:3461-7. [PMID: 20534614 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2010.1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Life-history trade-offs are often hormonally mediated. Here, we provide a comparative perspective on the endocrine basis of life-history trade-offs by examining the invertebrate hormone juvenile hormone (JH). JH is often associated with benefits, including increased dominance and reproductive success. We tested whether JH reduced survival of Polistes dominulus wasps and whether this survival cost was influenced by factors such as advertised quality, food availability, caste and body size. Overall, JH reduced individual survival. Among fed and unfed queens, JH reduced survival in a dose-dependent manner. Among workers, JH had a stronger effect on survival of fed workers than unfed workers. Unfed workers died quickly and body size was the best predictor of survival. Surprisingly, queens and workers treated with JH survived longer when they had signals advertising high quality than when they had signals advertising low quality. The relationship between advertised quality and ability to withstand high levels of JH suggests that there are differential physiological costs associated with ornament elaboration that could play a role in maintaining signal accuracy over evolutionary time. Overall, the convergence of endocrine-mediated costs across diverse systems suggests that endocrine-mediated trade-offs may be an adaptive way to optimize resource allocation rather than a non-adaptive constraint specific to a particular hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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36
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Briefer E, Vannoni E, McElligott AG. Quality prevails over identity in the sexually selected vocalisations of an ageing mammal. BMC Biol 2010; 8:35. [PMID: 20380690 PMCID: PMC2858104 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-8-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male sexually selected vocalisations generally contain both individuality and quality cues that are crucial in intra- as well as inter-sexual communication. As individuality is a fixed feature whereas male phenotypic quality changes with age, individuality and quality cues may be subjected to different selection pressures over time. Individuality (for example, morphology of the vocal apparatus) and quality (for example, body size and dominance status) can both affect the vocal production mechanism, inducing the same components of vocalisations to convey both kinds of information. In this case, do quality-related changes to the acoustic structure of calls induce a modification of vocal cues to identity from year to year? We investigated this question in fallow deer (Dama dama), in which some acoustic parameters of vocalisations (groans) code for both individuality and quality. RESULTS We carried out a longitudinal analysis of groan individuality, examining the effects of age and dominance rank on the acoustic structure of groans of the same males recorded during consecutive years. We found both age- and rank-related changes to groans; the minimum values of the highest formant frequencies and the fundamental frequency increased with the age of males and they decreased when males became more dominant. Both age- and rank-related acoustic parameters contributed to individuality. Male quality changed with age, inducing a change in quality-related parameters and thus, a modification of vocal cues to male individuality between years. CONCLUSIONS The encoding of individuality and quality information in the same components of vocalisations induces a tradeoff between these two kinds of signals over time. Fallow deer vocalisations are honest signals of quality that are not fixed over time but are modified dynamically according to male quality. As they are more reliable cues to quality than to individuality, they may not be used by conspecifics to recognize a given male from one year to another, but potentially used by both sexes to assess male quality during each breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Briefer
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Elisabetta Vannoni
- Zoologisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Switzerland
- Current address: Anatomisches Institut, Universität Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alan G McElligott
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Sheehan MJ, Tibbetts EA. Evolution of identity signals: frequency-dependent benefits of distinctive phenotypes used for individual recognition. Evolution 2009; 63:3106-13. [PMID: 19744121 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.2009.00833.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Identifying broad-scale evolutionary processes that maintain phenotypic polymorphisms has been a major goal of modern evolutionary biology. There are numerous mechanisms, such as negative frequency-dependent selection, that may maintain polymorphisms, although it is unknown which mechanisms are prominent in nature. Traits used for individual recognition are strikingly variable and have evolved independently in numerous lineages, providing an excellent model to investigate which factors maintain ecologically relevant phenotypic polymorphisms. Theoretical models suggest that individuals may benefit by advertising their identities with distinctive, recognizable phenotypes. Here, we test the benefits of advertising one's identity with a distinctive phenotype. We manipulated the appearance of Polistes fuscatus paper wasp groups so that three individuals had the same appearance and one individual had a unique, easily recognizable appearance. We found that individuals with distinctive appearances received less aggression than individuals with nondistinctive appearances. Therefore, individuals benefit by advertising their identity with a unique phenotype. Our results provide a potential mechanism through which negative frequency-dependent selection may maintain the polymorphic identity signals in P. fuscatus. Given that recognition is important for many social interactions, selection for distinctive identity signals may be an underappreciated and widespread mechanism underlying the evolution of phenotypic polymorphisms in social taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Sheehan
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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Tibbetts EA, Mettler A, Levy S. Mutual assessment via visual status signals in Polistes dominulus wasps. Biol Lett 2009; 6:10-3. [PMID: 19640872 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2009.0420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many animals use signals to assess the fighting ability of rivals and reduce the cost of aggressive competition. However, little is known about how an individual's own quality influences their signal assessment decisions. Polistes dominulus wasps have visual signals of fighting ability that provide a good model for testing the dynamics of rival choice. We found that rival assessment behaviour was influenced by the advertised quality of the individual, their rivals, and the interaction between individual and rival quality. Individuals of high advertised quality were more likely to challenge rivals and individuals of low advertised quality were more likely to be challenged. However, when choosing among two rivals with different advertised quality, individuals did not simply choose the lower quality rival. Instead, they only preferred the lower quality rival when there was a small difference between their own advertised quality and that of their rivals. Individuals were not choosy when both rivals advertised relatively high or relatively low quality. Therefore, although P. dominulus facial patterns function as conventional signals of fighting ability that provide valuable information about their bearer's behavioural strategy, there is substantial variation in signal responses based on the relative intensity of the senders' and receivers' signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Tibbetts EA, Shorter JR. How do fighting ability and nest value influence usurpation contests in Polistes wasps? Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-009-0764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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42
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Tannure-Nascimento IC, Nascimento FS, Zucchi R. The look of royalty: visual and odour signals of reproductive status in a paper wasp. Proc Biol Sci 2008; 275:2555-61. [PMID: 18682372 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2008.0589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive conflicts within animal societies occur when all females can potentially reproduce. In social insects, these conflicts are regulated largely by behaviour and chemical signalling. There is evidence that presence of signals, which provide direct information about the quality of the reproductive females would increase the fitness of all parties. In this study, we present an association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan. Our results showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status. In addition, experiments revealed that higher hierarchical positions were occupied by subordinates with distinct proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons and distinct visual marks. Therefore, these wasps present cues that convey reliable information of their reproductive status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivelize C Tannure-Nascimento
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-901, Brazil
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Abstract
Many animals use signals of fighting ability to minimize the costs of competition. Theory predicts that signals must be costly to remain reliable indicators of their bearer's abilities, but many signals of fighting ability lack obvious developmental costs. Instead, receivers are thought to maintain signal accuracy by behaving aggressively towards individuals with inaccurate signals (i.e. social costs). Models predict that the evolutionary stability of social cost signals depends on receivers trusting signals in certain contexts and testing signal accuracy in other contexts. Here, I use the signals of agonistic ability in Polistes dominulus wasps to provide the first experimental evidence that receiver responses to social cost signals are context dependent. During contests over low-value resources, wasps trust signals; they avoid patches of food guarded by rivals with elaborate signals. As the value of the resource increases, wasps become more likely to test signal accuracy. In fact, receivers challenge guards regardless of their signal phenotype when the resource is sufficiently valuable. Context-dependent receiver responses are likely to be an important behavioural mechanism underlying the evolution of social costs, as context-dependent responses allow receivers to minimize the costs of conflict while also ensuring signal accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Cervo R, Dapporto L, Beani L, Strassmann JE, Turillazzi S. On status badges and quality signals in the paper wasp Polistes dominulus: body size, facial colour patterns and hierarchical rank. Proc Biol Sci 2008; 275:1189-96. [PMID: 18285281 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2007.1779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To establish a dominance order, social animals often rely on indicators of fighting to avoid costly aggressive encounters. In some species, individuals use colour patterns to signal their social status. Recent studies claimed that facial markings in the eusocial paper wasp Polistes dominulus are status badges that allow co-foundresses to form a linear hierarchy based on individual quality. Here, we evaluated facial patterns in natural populations of P. dominulus, in its native range, to observe whether the marks reflect overall wasp quality in different contexts. We used the same measures of clypeus patterns used by earlier studies, but did not find that they functioned as status badges. Our analyses showed no evidence that visual markers are related to: (i) size, (ii) probability of surviving winter, (iii) social rank in spring associations, or (iv) health status (assessed by the presence of strepsipteran endoparasites). Size, however, is important. Larger wasps are more likely to survive the winter and to acquire the dominant position in spring associations. Larvae infected with endoparasites become smaller adult wasps. These findings suggest that body size is a reliable quality indicator on which wasps build their social networks, and that clypeus patterning is not involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cervo
- Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e Genetica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy.
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Tibbetts EA, Lindsay R. Visual signals of status and rival assessment in Polistes dominulus paper wasps. Biol Lett 2008; 4:237-9. [PMID: 18331973 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2008.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive competition is an important aspect of social interactions, but conflict can be costly. Some animals are thought to minimize the costs of conflict by using conventional signals of agonistic ability (i.e. badges of status) to assess rivals. Although putative badges have been found in a range of taxa, little research has tested whether individuals use badges to assess potential rivals before they engage in aggressive contests. Here, choice trials were used to test how the variable black facial patterns in Polistes dominulus wasps are used during rival assessment. Focal wasps were given access to two patches of food, each guarded by a wasp whose facial pattern had been experimentally altered. Wasps chose food patches based on the facial pattern of the guard, preferring to challenge guards with facial patterns indicating a low level of quality, while avoiding guards with facial patterns indicating a high level of quality. Therefore, status badges play an important role during rival assessment; paper wasps use facial patterns alone to quickly assess the agonistic abilities of strangers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Viera VM, Nolan PM, Côté SD, Jouventin P, Groscolas R. Is Territory Defence related to Plumage Ornaments in the King Penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus? Ethology 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0310.2007.01454.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tibbetts EA, Dale J. Individual recognition: it is good to be different. Trends Ecol Evol 2007; 22:529-37. [PMID: 17904686 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2007.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 430] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 05/11/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Individual recognition (IR) behavior has been widely studied, uncovering spectacular recognition abilities across a range of taxa and modalities. Most studies of IR focus on the recognizer (receiver). These studies typically explore whether a species is capable of IR, the cues that are used for recognition and the specializations that receivers use to facilitate recognition. However, relatively little research has explored the other half of the communication equation: the individual being recognized (signaler). Provided there is a benefit to being accurately identified, signalers are expected to actively broadcast their identity with distinctive cues. Considering the prevalence of IR, there are probably widespread benefits associated with distinctiveness. As a result, selection for traits that reveal individual identity might represent an important and underappreciated selective force contributing to the evolution and maintenance of genetic polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Tibbetts
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 830 N. University, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1048, USA.
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Tibbetts EA. Dispersal decisions and predispersal behavior in Polistes paper wasp ‘workers’. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-007-0427-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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