1
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Picardi S, Abrahms BL, Merkle JA. Scale at the interface of spatial and social ecology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20220523. [PMID: 39230455 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Animals simultaneously navigate spatial and social environments, and their decision-making with respect to those environments constitutes their spatial (e.g. habitat selection) and social (e.g. conspecific associations) phenotypes. The spatial-social interface is a recently introduced conceptual framework linking these components of spatial and social ecology. The spatial-social interface is inherently scale-dependent, yet it has not been integrated with the rich body of literature on ecological scale. Here, we develop a conceptual connection between the spatial-social interface and ecological scale. We propose three key innovations that incrementally build upon each other. First, the use-availability framework that underpins a large body of literature in behavioural ecology can be used in analogy to the phenotype-environment nomenclature and is transferable across the spatial and social realms. Second, both spatial and social phenotypes are hierarchical, with nested components that are linked via constraints-from the top down-or emergent properties-from the bottom up. Finally, in both the spatial and social realms, the definitions of environment and phenotype depend on the focal scale of inquiry. These conceptual innovations cast our understanding of the relationships between social and spatial dimensions of animal ecology in a new light, allowing a more holistic understanding and clearer hypothesis development for animal behaviour. This article is part of the theme issue 'The spatial-social interface: a theoretical and empirical integration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Picardi
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, University of Idaho , Moscow, ID, USA
| | - Briana L Abrahms
- Department of Biology, Center for Ecosystem Sentinels, University of Washington , Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jerod A Merkle
- Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming , Laramie, WY, USA
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2
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MacLeod KJ, English S, Ruuskanen SK, Taborsky B. Stress in the social context: a behavioural and eco-evolutionary perspective. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245829. [PMID: 37529973 PMCID: PMC10445731 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The social environment is one of the primary sources of challenging stimuli that can induce a stress response in animals. It comprises both short-term and stable interactions among conspecifics (including unrelated individuals, mates, potential mates and kin). Social stress is of unique interest in the field of stress research because (1) the social domain is arguably the most complex and fluctuating component of an animal's environment; (2) stress is socially transmissible; and (3) stress can be buffered by social partners. Thus, social interactions can be both the cause and cure of stress. Here, we review the history of social stress research, and discuss social stressors and their effects on organisms across early life and adulthood. We also consider cross-generational effects. We discuss the physiological mechanisms underpinning social stressors and stress responses, as well as the potential adaptive value of responses to social stressors. Finally, we identify outstanding challenges in social stress research, and propose a framework for addressing these in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sinead English
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK
| | - Suvi K. Ruuskanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Survontie 9 C, FI-40014, Finland
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, FI-20014, Finland
| | - Barbara Taborsky
- Division of Behavioural Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Institute for Advanced Study, 14193 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Mellor EL, Mason GJ. Feeding, mating and animal wellbeing: new insights from phylogenetic comparative methods. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20222571. [PMID: 36855870 PMCID: PMC9975651 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Mellor
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Georgia J. Mason
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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4
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Ventura F, Granadeiro JP, Lukacs PM, Kuepfer A, Catry P. Environmental variability directly affects the prevalence of divorce in monogamous albatrosses. Proc Biol Sci 2021; 288:20212112. [PMID: 34814753 PMCID: PMC8611344 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2021.2112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In many socially monogamous species, divorce is a strategy used to correct for sub-optimal partnerships and is informed by measures of previous breeding performance. The environment affects the productivity and survival of populations, thus indirectly affecting divorce via changes in demographic rates. However, whether environmental fluctuations directly modulate the prevalence of divorce in a population remains poorly understood. Here, using a longitudinal dataset on the long-lived black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) as a model organism, we test the hypothesis that environmental variability directly affects divorce. We found that divorce rate varied across years (1% to 8%). Individuals were more likely to divorce after breeding failures. However, regardless of previous breeding performance, the probability of divorce was directly affected by the environment, increasing in years with warm sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA). Furthermore, our state-space models show that warm SSTA increased the probability of switching mates in females in successful relationships. For the first time, to our knowledge, we document the disruptive effects of challenging environmental conditions on the breeding processes of a monogamous population, potentially mediated by higher reproductive costs, changes in phenology and physiological stress. Environmentally driven divorce may therefore represent an overlooked consequence of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ventura
- CESAM, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Granadeiro
- CESAM, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Paul M. Lukacs
- Wildlife Biology Program, Department of Ecosystem and Conservation Sciences, W. A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Amanda Kuepfer
- SAERI—South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute, Stanley, Falkland Islands FIQQ 1ZZ, UK
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn TR10 9FE, UK
| | - Paulo Catry
- MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, ISPA – Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
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5
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Cain KE, Griffith SC, Kruuk LEB. Sex and morph differences in age-dependent trait changes in a polymorphic songbird. J Evol Biol 2021; 34:1691-1703. [PMID: 34528324 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence of important variation in how animals age, in particular in how the expression of traits changes with age among different species and populations. However, less is known about variation within populations, which may include variation in ageing patterns between different types of individuals (e.g. sexes or distinct polymorphisms) and between different types of traits (e.g. general traits versus those used in social signalling contexts). We used 6 years of longitudinal data to examine age-related changes in trait expression in a captive population of Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), a socially monogamous songbird with genetically determined colour morphs that differ in behaviour and physiology. We contrasted ageing patterns of different types of traits (social signalling vs. size-related) in both sexes and in two colour morphs, using a mixed model approach to account for both within- and between-individual effects. We found pronounced sex differences in how social signalling traits change with age, showing a quadratic pattern in males, but not changing with age in females. In contrast, we observed no sex-specific ageing patterns in size traits. We also found subtle morph differences in how size-related traits changed with age, with black morphs stable or increasing with age while red morphs showing a decline with age. Finally, we found an interesting sex by morph interaction in one important social signal (headband width). These results highlight the importance of using within-individual approaches to understand ageing patterns across types of individuals (sex, morph, etc.) and the need for further research on the ageing patterns of traits that may experience different selective pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristal E Cain
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,School of Biological Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Loeske E B Kruuk
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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6
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Tripovich JS, Popovic G, Elphinstone A, Ingwersen D, Johnson G, Schmelitschek E, Wilkin D, Taylor G, Pitcher BJ. Born to Be Wild: Evaluating the Zoo-Based Regent Honeyeater Breed for Release Program to Optimise Individual Success and Conservation Outcomes in the Wild. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.669563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the effectiveness of captive breeding programs is central to improving conservation outcomes in released animals. However, few studies have assessed the impact of the strategies and trade-offs involved in husbandry decisions and the selection of traits on the success of breeding programs. This study evaluated a range of husbandry features including an animal's environment, health, and traits of the released individual and its parents involved in the zoo-based Regent Honeyeater breed for release program to optimise individual reproductive success and survivability, leading to improved conservation outcomes in the wild. We analysed 285 birds using a penalised Cox proportional hazard model to assess survival and an ordinal logistic model to evaluate the reproductive success of zoo bred birds released to the wild. Key features identified by the study highlight the importance of having parents that are successful breeders and parents that have an overall higher lifetime reproductive output. However, there were associated quantity-quality trade-offs, as the success of young (i.e., released birds) produced by parents was negatively associated to the number of clutches per year (where one clutch per year was found optimal). The study demonstrated the importance of considering the parental effects on the traits of its offspring beyond its pedigree information and found there was an associated decline in fitness of its offspring with older fathers. Song tutoring using wild Regent Honeyeaters was also important for increased survival post-release. Other important factors are discussed within the review. In general, the study recommended that a multi-faceted approach in the assessment and evaluation of the captive breeding program, to identify markers that will improve conservation outcomes of future releases.
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7
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Experimentally altered male mating behaviour affects offspring exploratory behaviour via nongenetic paternal effects. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113062. [PMID: 33316325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is emerging that fathers can have nongenetic effects on the phenotypes of their offspring. Most studies have focused on the role that nongenetic modifications to sperm can have on offspring phenotype; however, fathers can also have nongenetic effects on offspring through their interactions with females, called female-mediated paternal effects. These effects can occur in situations where male phenotype, e.g. behaviour or morphology, affects female stress and/or provisioning of offspring. These effects are potentially widespread, but few studies have explicitly investigated the role of female-mediated paternal effects on offspring phenotype. Here, we asked if male mating interactions can affect offspring via female mediated paternal effects in the Trinidadian guppy, Poecilia reticulata. To do this, we manipulated mating behaviour by: (i) administering a drug known to affect the neurotransmitter dopamine, and (ii) varying the familiarity of potential mates, which affects attractiveness in this species. With these treatments, we successfully manipulated the mating behaviour of male guppies and female preference for those males. Further, we found significant effects of sire mating behaviour, sire drug treatment, and parental familiarity status on behavioural measures of offspring anxiety in response to a novel object. Because Control offspring of 'familiar' and 'unfamiliar' pairs differed in their behaviour, our results cannot be solely attributed to potential nongenetic modifications to sperm caused by the drug. These results emphasize the importance of female-mediated paternal effects, including those caused by altered male mating behaviour, in shaping offspring phenotype.
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8
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Leach AG, Riecke TV, Sedinger JS, Ward DH, Boyd S. Mate fidelity improves survival and breeding propensity of a long-lived bird. J Anim Ecol 2020; 89:2290-2299. [PMID: 32596854 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionary and behavioural ecologists have long been interested in factors shaping the variation in mating behaviour observed in nature. Although much of the research on this topic has focused on the consequences of mate choice and mate change on annual reproductive success, studies of a potential positive link between mate fidelity and adult demographic rates have been comparatively rare. This is particularly true for long-lived birds with multi-year, socially monogamous pair bonds. We used a 26-year capture-mark-recapture dataset of 3,330 black brent Branta bernicla nigricans to test whether breeding with a familiar mate improved future breeding propensity and survival. We predicted that experienced breeders nesting with a new partner would have rates of survival similar to familiar pairs because long-lived species avoid jeopardizing survival since their lifetime fitness is sensitive to this vital rate. In contrast, we expected that any costs of breeding with a new partner would be paid through skipping the subsequent breeding attempt. We found that unfamiliar pairs had lower subsequent breeding propensity than faithful partners. However, contrary to our expectations, individuals breeding with a new mate also suffered reduced survival. These results add to a small number of studies indicating that a positive relationship between mate retention and adult demographic rates may exist in a diverse array of avian species. Given these results, researchers should consider costs of mate change that extend beyond within-season reproductive success to fully understand the potential adaptive basis for perennial social monogamy. We caution that if mate retention enhances survival prospects, improvements in annual reproductive success with pair-bond length could be a secondary factor favouring perennial social monogamy, particularly in species with slower life-history strategies. Furthermore, some cases where annual reproductive success does not improve with pair-bond duration, yet multi-year pair bonds are common, could be explained by benefits afforded by mate fidelity to adult vital rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G Leach
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Thomas V Riecke
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA.,Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - James S Sedinger
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - David H Ward
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sean Boyd
- Science and Technology Branch, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta, BC, Canada
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9
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González-Medina E, Castillo-Guerrero JA, Masero JA, Fernández G. Mate selection based on labile traits affects short-term fitness in a long-lived seabird. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20192578. [PMID: 32126956 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2019.2578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In long-lived monogamous social species, partner compatibility can play a crucial role in reproductive success. We evaluated assortative mating based on body condition (plasma triglyceride concentration), diet (δ15N), and foraging habitat (δ13C) in the blue-footed booby Sula nebouxii, a long-lived monogamous seabird. We investigated the effects of assortative mating (sum of triglycerides in a pair) and asymmetry within pairs (residuals from regression of female-male triglycerides) on reproductive performance and offspring growth (alkaline phosphatase, ALP). We found that strong assortative mating determined by body condition and diet seemed to be related to a signalling mechanism (nutritional state). This mating pattern had a substantial effect on the breeding parameters and influenced offspring ALP. Within-pair asymmetry did not influence any reproductive parameters, but the ALP of offspring was related to the within-pair relative female condition. Overall, our results indicate that individuals seek the best possible match to maximize their breeding investment and/or individuals are limited in their mate options by their current body condition, which has consequences for offspring fitness in the short term. Our findings show that assortative mating based on body condition produces notable variation in the joint condition of the pair, which determines their breeding success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick González-Medina
- Posgrado de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510 Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Conservation Biology Research Group, Área de Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| | - José Alfredo Castillo-Guerrero
- Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de la Zona Costera, Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur, Universidad de Guadalajara, San Patricio-Melaque, Municipio de Cihuatlán, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José A Masero
- Conservation Biology Research Group, Área de Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Mexico
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10
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Gale TJ, Garratt M, Brooks RC. Female mice seek refuge from castrated males, but not intact or vasectomized males, mitigating a socially-induced glucocorticoid response. Physiol Behav 2019; 211:112678. [PMID: 31505190 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2019.112678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Sexual conflict may be manifested during social interactions, shaping the costs of reproduction in sexually reproducing species. This conflict, and the physical necessity of intromission, can intensify the already costly nature of reproduction for female mammals. To identify and partition the costs that males inflict on females during mating and reproduction, we paired female mice with either other females or castrated, vasectomised, or intact (sham-vasectomised) males, thus manipulating exposure to social mating behavior and costs arising from fertilization. We also provided females with refuges where males could not enter, to test whether females show avoidance or attraction to males of different gonadal status expected to exhibit different levels of social behavior. We found that females paired with vasectomised and castrated males spent the most time in their refuge. Females housed with castrated males also had increased glucocorticoid levels, an effect that was mitigated when females could retreat from these males to a refuge. This suggests that females actively refuge from castrated males, and that housing with such males is sufficient to generate an increased glucocorticoid response. Our results show that females choose to refuge from males depending on the partner's gonadal status, choices that are linked to social induced stress responses but not exposure to male mating behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teagan J Gale
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), the University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Michael Garratt
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), the University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia; Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Robert C Brooks
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences (BEES), the University of New South Wales, High Street, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia
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11
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Champagne FA. Interplay between paternal germline and maternal effects in shaping development: The overlooked importance of behavioural ecology. Funct Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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12
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The Adaptive Sex in Stressful Environments. Trends Ecol Evol 2019; 34:628-640. [PMID: 30952545 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The impact of early stress on juvenile development has intrigued scientists for decades, but the adaptive significance of such effects remains an ongoing debate. This debate has largely ignored some characteristics of the offspring, such as their sex, despite strong evolutionary and demographic implications of sex-ratio variation. We review recent studies that examine associations between glucocorticoids (GCs), the main class of stress hormones, and offspring sex. Whereas exposure to GCs at around the time of sex determination in fish consistently produces males, the extent and direction of sex-ratio bias in response to stress vary in reptiles, birds, and mammals. We propose proximate and ultimate explanations for most of these trends.
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Abend
- Department of SociologyUniversity of Lucerne Lucerne Switzerland
- Department of SociologyNew York University New York New York
- Max‐Weber‐KollegUniversity of Erfurt Erfurt Germany
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14
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Scalera A, Tomaszycki ML. Acute exogenous corticosterone treatments have few effects on courtship and pair bonding in zebra finches. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 268:121-127. [PMID: 30102882 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stress impacts social relationships. In turn, social relationships buffer the stress response in some species. Studies that have investigated the role of corticosterone (CORT) on courtship, mate choice, mating, and pairing have found mixed results. We therefore tested the role of CORT in these steps of the pairing process in the monogamous zebra finch. Male and female zebra finches received either one of 2 doses of corticosterone (CORT, 10 μg and 20 μg, referred to as low and high dose) or a vehicle control (peanut oil). Subjects were then given the opportunity to pair in mixed sex aviaries. Courtship and pair bonding behaviors were observed over 3 days. Overall, zebra finches of both sexes were equally likely to pair or not pair regardless of treatment, although a high dose of CORT increased the latency to form a pair bond. There were no effects of CORT on courtship behavior in either sex, though the low dose increased undirected (non-courtship) singing in males relative to the high dose. Animals treated with CORT, regardless of dose, engaged in fewer copulations than did control animals. When we examined pairing behaviors, we found a decrease in co-nesting in low dose animals. Our results suggest that acute CORT has few effects on pair bonding, suggesting species-specific effects of CORT on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Scalera
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, United States
| | - Michelle L Tomaszycki
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Lafayette College, Easton, PA 18042, United States.
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15
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Firth JA, Cole EF, Ioannou CC, Quinn JL, Aplin LM, Culina A, McMahon K, Sheldon BC. Personality shapes pair bonding in a wild bird social system. Nat Ecol Evol 2018; 2:1696-1699. [PMID: 30275466 PMCID: PMC6217997 DOI: 10.1038/s41559-018-0670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mated pair bonds are integral to many animal societies, yet how individual variation in behaviour influences their formation remains largely unknown. In a population of wild great tits (Parus major), we show that personality shapes pair bonding: proactive males formed stronger pre-breeding pair bonds by meeting their future partners sooner and increasing their relationship strength at a faster rate. As a result, proactive males sampled fewer potential mates. Thus, personality may have important implications for social relationship dynamics and emergent social structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh A Firth
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Merton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Ella F Cole
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - John L Quinn
- School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lucy M Aplin
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, Germany
| | - Antica Culina
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Netherlands Institute of Ecology, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Keith McMahon
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben C Sheldon
- Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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16
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Bichet C, Lepetit D, Cohas A. Extrinsic and intrinsic constraints interact to drive extra-pair paternities in the Alpine marmot. J Evol Biol 2018; 31:1794-1802. [PMID: 30216586 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To reproduce, animals have to form pairs and large variations in the degree of mate switching are observed. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors can constrain individual's mate switching. Among intrinsic factors, genes involved in pair-bonding, such as Avpr-1a, receive increasing attention. The length of microsatellites present in the regulatory region of Avpr-1a determines the neural densities and distributions of the vasopressin receptors known to impact pair-bonding behaviours. For the first time, we investigated whether and how the genetic makeup at Avpr-1a, an intrinsic factor, and the social context, an extrinsic factor, experienced by wild Alpine marmot (Marmota marmota) females affect the proportion of extra-pair young. This proportion was positively correlated with the length of their Avpr-1a regulatory region but only when the social constraints were relaxed, that is when mature male subordinates were present. When ignoring the interactive effect between the length of their Avpr-1a regulatory region and the social constraints, the genetic makeup at Avpr-1a was not associated with the proportion of extra-pair young. Under natural conditions, the genetic regulation of pair-bonding could be hidden by extrinsic factors constraining mate choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coraline Bichet
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France.,Institut für Vogelforschung, 'Vogelwarte Helgoland' (Institute of Avian Research), Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - David Lepetit
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aurélie Cohas
- UMR-CNRS 5558, Laboratoire Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
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17
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Madison FN, Kesner AJ, Alward BA, Ball GF. Sex differences in hippocampal mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression in response to acute mate pair separation in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Hippocampus 2018; 28:698-706. [PMID: 29663559 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Mate separation has been shown to mediate changes in physiological and behavioral processes via activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in both mammalian and avian species. To elucidate the neural mechanisms associated with changes in the HPA axis in response to social stress, we investigated the effects of mate pair separation on circulating corticosterone concentrations as well as gene expression levels of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamus and hippocampus of both male and female zebra finches, a species that forms strong pair bonds. Zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata) were housed three to a cage (a mated pair plus a stimulus female), and were assigned to one of three new housing treatment groups: (1) male or female removed from their respective mate and placed in a cage with a new opposite sex conspecific and stimulus female (2) male or female that remained with their mate, but a new stimulus female was introduced, or (3) the subjects were handled but not separated from their mate or the stimulus female. After 48 hr in the new housing condition, we observed significant increases in plasma corticosterone concentrations in response to both mate pair and stimulus female separation. No significant differences in MR, GR, or CRH mRNA expression in the hypothalamus were observed in response to any treatment for both males and females. Females exhibited a significant up regulation in hippocampal MR, but not GR mRNA, whereas males exhibited a significant down regulation of both hippocampal MR and GR mRNA in response to mate pair separation. Thus, the hippocampus appears to play a key role in regulating sex specific responses to social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farrah N Madison
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Andrew J Kesner
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218
| | - Beau A Alward
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218.,Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742
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18
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Schweitzer C, Melot G, Laubu C, Teixeira M, Motreuil S, Dechaume-Moncharmont FX. Hormonal and fitness consequences of behavioral assortative mating in the convict cichlid (Amatitlania siquia). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 240:153-161. [PMID: 27793721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In monogamous species, partner compatibility is a key factor influencing pairing and reproductive success. In pairs with biparental care, studies have mostly focused on behavioral compatibility because it is likely to encourage the coordination of parental care within pairs, leading to a better reproductive success. Behavior modulation, throughout the breeding season and as a function of the social context, is under the regulatory feedback control of endocrine mechanisms. From this link, the idea of hormonal partner compatibility as a key component of pair cohesion and maintenance has recently emerged. Here, we investigated the link between partner behavioral assortment and their hormonal response to the pairing context. We formed assortative and disassortative pairs of convict cichlids based on their behavioral type (proactive or reactive) and took hormone and fitness measurements. Testosterone, 11-ketotestosterone, 17β-estradiol and cortisol levels were measured from fish-holding water before and after pair formation. We found no relationship between the behavioral type of individuals and their pre-pairing hormone levels. Only the level of cortisol was affected by the partner but independently of its behavioral type. Reproductive success was not affected by the level of hormonal similarity within pairs, but we found that the variation in 11-ketotestosterone similarity between the isolated context and the pairing context was related to spawning size, and the variation in cortisol similarity to the number of fry. Behavioral compatibility does not reflect hormonal compatibility in the convict cichlid, but the relationship between reproductive success and the flexibility of hormonal similarity between partners suggests hormonal adjustment within pairs in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Schweitzer
- Biogéosciences UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 6 Bd. Gabriel, F-21000 Dijon, France.
| | - Geoffrey Melot
- Biogéosciences UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 6 Bd. Gabriel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Chloé Laubu
- Biogéosciences UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 6 Bd. Gabriel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Maria Teixeira
- Biogéosciences UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 6 Bd. Gabriel, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Sébastien Motreuil
- Biogéosciences UMR 6282, CNRS, Université Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 6 Bd. Gabriel, F-21000 Dijon, France
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19
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Griffith SC, Crino OL, Andrew SC, Nomano FY, Adkins-Regan E, Alonso-Alvarez C, Bailey IE, Bittner SS, Bolton PE, Boner W, Boogert N, Boucaud ICA, Briga M, Buchanan KL, Caspers BA, Cichoń M, Clayton DF, Derégnaucourt S, Forstmeier W, Guillette LM, Hartley IR, Healy SD, Hill DL, Holveck MJ, Hurley LL, Ihle M, Tobias Krause E, Mainwaring MC, Marasco V, Mariette MM, Martin-Wintle MS, McCowan LSC, McMahon M, Monaghan P, Nager RG, Naguib M, Nord A, Potvin DA, Prior NH, Riebel K, Romero-Haro AA, Royle NJ, Rutkowska J, Schuett W, Swaddle JP, Tobler M, Trompf L, Varian-Ramos CW, Vignal C, Villain AS, Williams TD. Variation in Reproductive Success Across Captive Populations: Methodological Differences, Potential Biases and Opportunities. Ethology 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon C. Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Ondi L. Crino
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Samuel C. Andrew
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Fumiaki Y. Nomano
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Cornell University; Ithaca NY USA
| | - Carlos Alonso-Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) - CSIC-UCLM-JCCM; Ciudad Real Spain
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva; Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales - CSIC; Madrid Spain
| | - Ida E. Bailey
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | | | - Peri E. Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Neeltje Boogert
- School of Psychology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | - Ingrid C. A. Boucaud
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Michael Briga
- Behavioural Biology; University of Groningen; Groningen The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mariusz Cichoń
- Institute of Environmental Sciences; Jagiellonian University; Cracow Poland
| | - David F. Clayton
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | | | - Wolfgang Forstmeier
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics; Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Seewiesen Germany
| | | | - Ian R. Hartley
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Susan D. Healy
- School of Biology; University of St Andrews; St Andrews, Fife UK
| | - Davina L. Hill
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Marie-Jeanne Holveck
- Institute of Biology; University of Leiden; Leiden The Netherlands
- Biodiversity Research Centre; Earth and Life Institute; Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL); Louvain-la-Neuve Belgium
| | - Laura L. Hurley
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Malika Ihle
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics; Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Seewiesen Germany
| | - E. Tobias Krause
- Department of Animal Behaviour; Bielefeld University; Bielefeld Germany
- Institute of Animal Welfare and Animal Husbandry; Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut; Celle Germany
| | - Mark C. Mainwaring
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Valeria Marasco
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Mylene M. Mariette
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong VIC Australia
| | - Meghan S. Martin-Wintle
- Conservation and Research Department; PDXWildlife; Portland OR USA
- Applied Animal Ecology; Institute for Conservation Research; San Diego Zoo Global; Escondido CA USA
| | - Luke S. C. McCowan
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Maeve McMahon
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology; Queen Mary University of London; London UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Ruedi G. Nager
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine; College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences; University of Glasgow; Glasgow UK
| | - Marc Naguib
- Behavioural Ecology Group; Department of Animal Sciences; Wageningen The Netherlands
| | - Andreas Nord
- Department of Biology; Lund University; Lund Sweden
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology; University of Tromsø; Tromsø Norway
| | - Dominique A. Potvin
- Advanced Facility for Avian Research; University of Western Ontario; London ON Canada
| | - Nora H. Prior
- Zoology Department; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Katharina Riebel
- Lancaster Environment Centre; Lancaster University; Lancaster UK
| | - Ana A. Romero-Haro
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC) - CSIC-UCLM-JCCM; Ciudad Real Spain
| | - Nick J. Royle
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation; University of Exeter; Penryn UK
| | - Joanna Rutkowska
- Institute of Environmental Sciences; Jagiellonian University; Cracow Poland
| | - Wiebke Schuett
- Zoological Institute; University of Hamburg; Hamburg Germany
| | - John P. Swaddle
- Biology Department; Institute for Integrative Bird Behaviour Studies; The College of William and Mary; Williamsburg VA USA
| | | | - Larissa Trompf
- Department of Biological Sciences; Macquarie University; Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Claire W. Varian-Ramos
- Biology Department; Institute for Integrative Bird Behaviour Studies; The College of William and Mary; Williamsburg VA USA
| | - Clémentine Vignal
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Avelyne S. Villain
- CNRS UMR 9197 NeuroPSI/ENES; Université de Lyon/Saint-Etienne; Saint-Etienne France
| | - Tony D. Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences; Simon Fraser University; Burnaby BC Canada
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20
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Bolton PE, Rollins LA, Brazill-Boast J, Kim KW, Burke T, Griffith SC. The colour of paternity: extra-pair paternity in the wild Gouldian finch does not appear to be driven by genetic incompatibility between morphs. J Evol Biol 2016; 30:174-190. [PMID: 27758066 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In socially monogamous species, individuals can use extra-pair paternity and offspring sex allocation as adaptive strategies to ameliorate costs of genetic incompatibility with their partner. Previous studies on domesticated Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae) demonstrated a genetic incompatibility between head colour morphs, the effects of which are more severe in female offspring. Domesticated females use differential sex allocation, and extra-pair paternity with males of compatible head colour, to reduce fitness costs associated with incompatibility in mixed-morph pairings. However, laboratory studies are an oversimplification of the complex ecological factors experienced in the wild and may only reflect the biology of a domesticated species. This study aimed to examine the patterns of parentage and sex ratio bias with respect to colour pairing combinations in a wild population of the Gouldian finch. We utilized a novel PCR assay that allowed us to genotype the morph of offspring before the morph phenotype develops and to explore bias in morph paternity and selection at the nest. Contrary to previous findings in the laboratory, we found no effect of pairing combinations on patterns of extra-pair paternity, offspring sex ratio or selection on morphs in nestlings. In the wild, the effect of morph incompatibility is likely much smaller, or absent, than was observed in the domesticated birds. Furthermore, the previously studied domesticated population is genetically differentiated from the wild population, consistent with the effects of domestication. It is possible that the domestication process fostered the emergence (or enhancement) of incompatibility between colour morphs previously demonstrated in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - L A Rollins
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., Australia
| | - J Brazill-Boast
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K-W Kim
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - T Burke
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - S C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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21
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Male breeding experience, not mate familiarity, affects reproductive output in black brant geese. Behav Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arw122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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22
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Arnold KE, Gilbert L, Gorman HE, Griffiths KJ, Adam A, Nager RG. Paternal attractiveness and the effects of differential allocation of parental investment. Anim Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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23
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Mougeot F, Lendvai ÁZ, Martínez-Padilla J, Pérez-Rodríguez L, Giraudeau M, Casas F, Moore IT, Redpath S. Parasites, mate attractiveness and female feather corticosterone levels in a socially monogamous bird. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-015-2048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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24
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Bolton PE, Rollins LA, Griffith SC. The danger within: the role of genetic, behavioural and ecological factors in population persistence of colour polymorphic species. Mol Ecol 2015; 24:2907-15. [PMID: 25870951 DOI: 10.1111/mec.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Polymorphic species have been the focus of important work in evolutionary biology. It has been suggested that colour polymorphic species have specific evolutionary and population dynamics that enable them to persist through environmental changes better than less variable species. We suggest that recent empirical and theoretical work indicates that polymorphic species may be more vulnerable to extinction than previously thought. This vulnerability arises because these species often have a number of correlated sexual, behavioural, life history and ecological traits, which can have a simple genetic underpinning. When exacerbated by environmental change, these alternate strategies can lead to conflict between morphs at the genomic and population levels, which can directly or indirectly affect population and evolutionary dynamics. In this perspective, we identify a number of ways in which the nature of the correlated traits, their underpinning genetic architecture, and the inevitable interactions between colour morphs can result in a reduction in population fitness. The principles illustrated here apply to all kinds of discrete polymorphism (e.g. behavioural syndromes), but we focus primarily on colour polymorphism because they are well studied. We urge further empirical investigation of the genetic architecture and interactions in polymorphic species to elucidate the impact on population fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peri E Bolton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic., 3217, Australia
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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25
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Sánchez-Macouzet O, Rodríguez C, Drummond H. Better stay together: pair bond duration increases individual fitness independent of age-related variation. Proc Biol Sci 2015; 281:rspb.2013.2843. [PMID: 24827435 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.2843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged pair bonds have the potential to improve reproductive performance of socially monogamous animals by increasing pair familiarity and enhancing coordination and cooperation between pair members. However, this has proved very difficult to test robustly because of important confounds such as age and reproductive experience. Here, we address limitations of previous studies and provide a rigorous test of the mate familiarity effect in the socially monogamous blue-footed booby, Sula nebouxii, a long-lived marine bird with a high divorce rate. Taking advantage of a natural disassociation between age and pair bond duration in this species, and applying a novel analytical approach to a 24 year database, we found that those pairs which have been together for longer establish their clutches five weeks earlier in the season, hatch more of their eggs and produce 35% more fledglings, regardless of age and reproductive experience. Our results demonstrate that pair bond duration increases individual fitness and further suggest that synergistic effects between a male and female's behaviour are likely to be involved in generating a mate familiarity effect. These findings help to explain the age- and experience-independent benefits of remating and their role in life-history evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Sánchez-Macouzet
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70-275, México D.F., 04510, Mexico
| | - Cristina Rodríguez
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70-275, México D.F., 04510, Mexico
| | - Hugh Drummond
- Departamento de Ecología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 70-275, México D.F., 04510, Mexico
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26
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27
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Henderson LJ, Evans NP, Heidinger BJ, Adams A, Arnold KE. Maternal condition but not corticosterone is linked to offspring sex ratio in a passerine bird. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110858. [PMID: 25347532 PMCID: PMC4210198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence of offspring sex ratio adjustment in a range of species, but the potential mechanisms remain largely unknown. Elevated maternal corticosterone (CORT) is associated with factors that can favour brood sex ratio adjustment, such as reduced maternal condition, food availability and partner attractiveness. Therefore, the steroid hormone has been suggested to play a key role in sex ratio manipulation. However, despite correlative and causal evidence CORT is linked to sex ratio manipulation in some avian species, the timing of adjustment varies between studies. Consequently, whether CORT is consistently involved in sex-ratio adjustment, and how the hormone acts as a mechanism for this adjustment remains unclear. Here we measured maternal baseline CORT and body condition in free-living blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) over three years and related these factors to brood sex ratio and nestling quality. In addition, a non-invasive technique was employed to experimentally elevate maternal CORT during egg laying, and its effects upon sex ratio and nestling quality were measured. We found that maternal CORT was not correlated with brood sex ratio, but mothers with elevated CORT fledged lighter offspring. Also, experimental elevation of maternal CORT did not influence brood sex ratio or nestling quality. In one year, mothers in superior body condition produced male biased broods, and maternal condition was positively correlated with both nestling mass and growth rate in all years. Unlike previous studies maternal condition was not correlated with maternal CORT. This study provides evidence that maternal condition is linked to brood sex ratio manipulation in blue tits. However, maternal baseline CORT may not be the mechanistic link between the maternal condition and sex ratio adjustment. Overall, this study serves to highlight the complexity of sex ratio adjustment in birds and the difficulties associated with identifying sex biasing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J. Henderson
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Neil P. Evans
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Britt J. Heidinger
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, United States of America
| | - Aileen Adams
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn E. Arnold
- College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, The University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Environment Department, The University of York, York, United Kingdom
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28
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Schweitzer C, Schwabl H, Baran NM, Adkins-Regan E. Pair disruption in female zebra finches: consequences for offspring phenotype and sensitivity to a social stressor. Anim Behav 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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29
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Jordan LA, Kokko H, Kasumovic M. Reproductive foragers: male spiders choose mates by selecting among competitive environments. Am Nat 2014; 183:638-49. [PMID: 24739196 DOI: 10.1086/675755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Mate choice frequently operates differently for males and females as a consequence of male competition for mates. Competitive interactions can alter the fitness payoffs of choice and the realization of preferences under natural conditions, yet the majority of male choice studies still use binary trials that ignore social factors. Here we test the importance of contest dynamics in male choice using a framework in which females are considered analogous to foraging patches that are subject to competition. We track the mate choices and interactions of 640 spiders (Nephila plumipes) before and after manipulation of competition within enclosures, modeling the expected fitness payoffs of each male's actual choices and comparing these with all alternative choices. Many males choose new mates once social conditions change and achieve higher fitness than predicted under random movement. Males do not simply move to larger females but choose favorable competitive environments that balance competition and female fecundity, thereby increasing their fitness payoffs. Further, we show for the first time that prior-residence effects, which are known to influence male contests, also have a strong influence in male reproductive contests and can shape male mate choice. These results highlight the importance of situating male choice studies in the relevant social context, as intrasexual interactions can have profound effects on the realization and payoffs of male mate-choice strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndon Alexander Jordan
- Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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30
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LaPlante KA, Huremovic E, Tomaszycki ML. Effects of acute corticosterone treatment on partner preferences in male and female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 199:33-7. [PMID: 24530631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2013] [Revised: 01/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Stress alters physiology and behavior across species. Most research on the effects of stress on behavior uses chronic stressors, and most are correlational. The effects of acute stressors on physiology and behavior have been mixed. Here, we use zebra finches, a highly gregarious species that forms long-term pair bonds, to test the effects of an acute corticosterone (CORT) on opposite-sex partner preferences over a same-sex individual or a group (the latter is a highly appealing option). We had two competing hypotheses. First, we predicted that acute CORT would alter preferences for the opposite sex bird in both conditions in both sexes. However, since there is a sex difference in the effects of CORT on partner preferences in voles, these effects may be more pronounced in males than in females. To test our hypotheses, we administered 2 doses of CORT (10μg and 20μg) or vehicle (control) using a repeated measures design. In the male vs. female test, there was a significant Sex by Treatment interaction, such that in males, 10μg CORT increased preferences for a female over the male compared to when these same males were treated with saline at baseline. There were no effects of treatment in females. In the opposite-sex vs. group condition, there was an overall effect of Treatment, such that the 10μg dose increased preference for the opposite-sex individual over both saline treatments, regardless of sex. These findings further our understanding of the effects of an acute stressor on sexual partner preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enida Huremovic
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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31
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Merkling T, Chastel O, Blanchard P, Trouvé C, Hatch SA, Danchin E. Physiological and fitness correlates of experimentally altered hatching asynchrony magnitude in chicks of a wild seabird. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 198:32-8. [PMID: 24380674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nest-bound chicks depend entirely on their parents for food, often leading to high sibling competition. Asynchronous hatching, resulting from the onset of incubation before clutch completion, facilitates the establishment of within-nest hierarchy, with younger chicks being subject to lower feeding and growth rates. Because social and nutritional stresses affect baseline stress hormone levels in birds, younger chicks are expected to have higher levels of corticosterone than their siblings. As previous studies showed that hatching asynchrony magnitude influences the course of sibling competition, it should also affect baseline corticosterone. We measured baseline corticosterone at age 5 days in nestling black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in 3 types of experimental broods: synchronous, asynchronous, and highly asynchronous. Sexual dimorphism takes place during chick-rearing and might also influence baseline corticosterone, we thus included chick sex in our analyses and also monitored chick growth and survival. Baseline corticosterone did not differ among A-chicks, but was higher in B-chicks from highly asynchronous broods compared with the other brood types, in line with the presumed increase in nutritional stress. In asynchronous broods, A-chicks had higher baseline corticosterone than their siblings, contrary to our expectations. We interpret that result as a cost of dominance among A-chicks. In line with previous studies, mass gain was negatively correlated with baseline corticosterone levels. We found that baseline corticosterone predicted survival in a sex-specific way. Regardless of hatching rank, males with higher baseline corticosterone suffered higher mortality, suggesting that males were more sensitive to high level of stress, independently of its cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Merkling
- CNRS, UPS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), F-31062 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France.
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Pierrick Blanchard
- CNRS, UPS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), F-31062 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Colette Trouvé
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France
| | - Scott A Hatch
- U.S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Etienne Danchin
- CNRS, UPS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB (Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique), F-31062 Toulouse, France; Université Toulouse 3 Paul Sabatier, CNRS, ENFA, UMR5174 EDB, 118 Route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, France
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Mobley KB, Abou Chakra M, Jones AG. No evidence for size-assortative mating in the wild despite mutual mate choice in sex-role-reversed pipefishes. Ecol Evol 2013; 4:67-78. [PMID: 24455162 PMCID: PMC3894889 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Size-assortative mating is a nonrandom association of body size between members of mating pairs and is expected to be common in species with mutual preferences for body size. In this study, we investigated whether there is direct evidence for size-assortative mating in two species of pipefishes, Syngnathus floridae and S. typhle, that share the characteristics of male pregnancy, sex-role reversal, and a polygynandrous mating system. We take advantage of microsatellite-based “genetic-capture” techniques to match wild-caught females with female genotypes reconstructed from broods of pregnant males and use these data to explore patterns of size-assortative mating in these species. We also develop a simulation model to explore how positive, negative, and antagonistic preferences of each sex for body size affect size-assortative mating. Contrary to expectations, we were unable to find any evidence of size-assortative mating in either species at different geographic locations or at different sampling times. Furthermore, two traits that potentially confer a fitness advantage in terms of reproductive success, female mating order and number of eggs transferred per female, do not affect pairing patterns in the wild. Results from model simulations demonstrate that strong mating preferences are unlikely to explain the observed patterns of mating in the studied populations. Our study shows that individual mating preferences, as ascertained by laboratory-based mating trials, can be decoupled from realized patterns of mating in the wild, and therefore, field studies are also necessary to determine actual patterns of mate choice in nature. We conclude that this disconnect between preferences and assortative mating is likely due to ecological constraints and multiple mating that may limit mate choice in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenyon B Mobley
- Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Biology August-Thienemann Str. 2, Plön, 24306, Germany
| | - Maria Abou Chakra
- Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Biology August-Thienemann Str. 2, Plön, 24306, Germany
| | - Adam G Jones
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University 3258 TAMU, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Hirschenhauser
- Department of Behavioural Biology; Faculty of Life Sciences; University of Vienna; Vienna; Austria
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Rutkowska J, Place NJ, Vincent S, Adkins-Regan E. Adrenocortical response to mating, social interaction and restraint in the female Japanese quail. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:1037-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Monaghan P, Heidinger BJ, D'Alba L, Evans NP, Spencer KA. For better or worse: reduced adult lifespan following early-life stress is transmitted to breeding partners. Proc Biol Sci 2011; 279:709-14. [PMID: 21849320 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2011.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful conditions early in life can give rise to exaggerated stress responses, which, while beneficial in the short term, chronically increase lifetime exposure to stress hormones and elevate disease risk later in life. Using zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata, we show here that individuals whose glucocorticoid stress hormones were experimentally increased for only a brief period in early post-natal life, inducing increased stress sensitivity, had reduced adult lifespans. Remarkably, the breeding partners of such exposed individuals also died at a younger age. This negative effect on partner longevity was the same for both sexes; it occurred irrespective of the partner's own early stress exposure and was in addition to any longevity reduction arising from this. Furthermore, this partner effect continued even after the breeding partnership was terminated. Only 5 per cent of control birds with control partners had died after 3 years, compared with over 40 per cent in early stress-early stress pairs. In contrast, reproductive capability appeared unaffected by the early stress treatment, even when breeding in stressful environmental circumstances. Our results clearly show that increased exposure to glucocorticoids early in life can markedly reduce adult life expectancy, and that pairing with such exposed partners carries an additional and substantial lifespan penalty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pat Monaghan
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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Pryke SR, Rollins LA, Buttemer WA, Griffith SC. Maternal stress to partner quality is linked to adaptive offspring sex ratio adjustment. Behav Ecol 2011. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arr040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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