scholarly journals Ultraviolet reflectance by the cere of raptors

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Mougeot ◽  
Beatriz E Arroyo
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Sexual Signal ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Circus Pygargus ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Uv Reflectance ◽  
Sexual Signalling ◽  
Carotenoid Pigmentation

Ultraviolet (UV) signals have been shown to play key roles in social and sexual signalling in birds. Using a spectrophotometer, we analysed the colour of the cere (skin above the beak) of a diurnal raptor, the Montagu's harrier ( Circus pygargus ), and show that it reflects in the UV part of the spectrum. The cere is a well-known sexual signal in raptors, with carotenoid based pigmentation being indicative of quality. We thus hypothesized that UV reflectance also signals quality. Accordingly, we found that in our sample of wild males, the location of the UV peak was related to the orangeness of cere and correlated with male body mass and condition (mass corrected for size). Also, males with brighter UV were mated to females that laid earlier, as expected if UV reflectance relates to a male's quality and attractiveness. Future studies should investigate the relationships between UV reflectance and carotenoid pigmentation of cere, and test how UV reflectance influences mate choice.

Spawning behaviour of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua: evidence of mate competition and mate choice in a broadcast spawner

1999 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A Hutchings ◽  
Todd D Bishop ◽  
Carolyn R McGregor-Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Atlantic Cod ◽  
Multiple Paternity ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Spawning Period

We quantified individual differences in Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, reproductive behaviour at a field-reported spawning density under experimental conditions. Marked individuals (nine females, seven males) were observed twice daily and videotaped continuously for 9 weeks at ambient photoperiod and temperature in a large tank (60 m3). Agonistic interactions appeared to maintain a size-based dominance hierarchy among males. Multiple paternity per spawning bout, revealed by microsatellite DNA analysis, suggested a link between dominance and fertilization success. Interactions between sexes were dominated by the circling of females by males. Predicated by vertical separation from males, and after descending to the bottom, a motionless female would be circled up to 17 times, often by one male per circling bout but by several males throughout the spawning period. Although circling frequency increased with male dominance and male body size, initiation and termination of this behaviour appeared to be under female control. Circling provides opportunities for males to gain individual access to reproductive females and for females to assess the quality of potential mates. Our evidence for nonrandom mate choice and for male-male competition and display has implications for Atlantic cod mating systems and effects of fishing on their reproductive success.

Ultraviolet reflectance and female mating preferences in the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 479-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Zampiga ◽  
G. Gaibani ◽  
D. Csermely
Keyword(s):  
Female Mate Choice ◽  
Female Preference ◽  
Visible Spectral Range ◽  
Falco Tinnunculus ◽  
Uv Filter ◽  
Skin Reflectance ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Uv Reflectance ◽  
Female Mating Preferences ◽  
Uv Reflection

Previous studies revealed the importance of plumage brightness (considering only the visible spectral range) in female mate choice of common kestrels ( Falco tinnunculus L., 1758). Our study focuses on the effect of UV reflectance on female preference; we hypothesize that common kestrel females prefer males with UV-reflecting plumage and refuse, or are not attracted to, males whose plumage UV reflectance is prevented. We tested the preference of 20 captive females who were given a choice between two males, one behind a UV-transmitting (UV+) filter and another one behind a UV-blocking (UV–) filter. Female preference was measured as frequency and duration of visits to either male, specifically by sitting on the perch or hanging on to the partition wall. Females visited the male behind the UV+ filter more often than the male behind the UV– filter, indicating that females prefer males with UV-reflecting plumage than males without UV reflection. UV plumage and skin reflectance could provide females with information regarding current male conditions more so than other colours and other morphological parameters.

scholarly journals Occurrence of hybrid geese in Sweden—a conservation problem?

Ornis Svecica ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 17 (3–4) ◽  
pp. 154-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakon Kampe-Persson ◽  
Henrik Lerner
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Basic Data ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Parent Species ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Species Numbers ◽  
Conservation Problem ◽  
Bean Goose ◽  
Increasing Trend

This report provides basic data about hybrid geese and mixed pairs in Sweden; combinations of species, numbers, trends and origins, which can serve as a framework for future studies. Data published in national, regional and local magazines and reports as well as unpublished observations through August 2007 have been analysed. Sightings in this report were based on the observers’ suggestion of parent species. No less than 17 species were involved in the hybrid geese sighted in Sweden. Some of the combinations of species involved the red-listed species Lesser White-fronted Goose, the nominate race of Taiga Bean Goose and Red-breasted Goose. The first combinations of species appeared in Sweden already 1918–1930s, but since the last half a century, the number of hybrid geese in Sweden shows a positive trend. Several explanations to this increasing trend is proposed but not further analysed. Among all the several theories proposed for hybridisation in geese, field data from Swedish goose haunts support at least two; the ”Best-Option-Hypothesis” and ”Interspecific mate choice following false imprinting”.

scholarly journals Inconsistent association of male body mass with breeding success in captive white-tailed deer

2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip D. Jones ◽  
Bronson K. Strickland ◽  
Stephen Demarais ◽  
Randy W. DeYoung
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Breeding Success ◽  
Male Body

scholarly journals Response: An exploration of the association between male body mass index and semen quality

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 483-484
Author(s):  
Ahmad Ghiyath Shayeb ◽  
Kirsten Harrild ◽  
Eileen Mathers ◽  
Siladitya Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Male Body

The better, the choosier: a meta-analysis on inter-individual variation of male mate choice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Pollo ◽  
Shinichi Nakagawa ◽  
Michael M. Kasumovic
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Individual Variation ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Male Mating ◽  
Male Mate Choice ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Male Quality ◽  
Medium Quality ◽  
Male Mate

Male mate choice occurs in several animal species, but we know little about the factors that influence the expression of this behaviour. Males vary in their capacity to acquire mates (i.e. male quality), which could be crucial to male mate choice expression but it is often overlooked. Using a meta-analytical approach, we explore inter-individual variation in the expression of male mate choice by comparing the mating investment of males of different qualities and phenotypes to high- and low-quality females. We used two datasets that together contained information from 60 empirical studies, comprising 52 species. We found that males of all qualities and phenotypes prefer high-quality females, but differ in the strength of such preference. High- and medium-quality males are choosier than low-quality males. Similarly, males that are larger or in greater body condition are choosier than their counterparts. In contrast, male body mass and age are not associated with changes in male mate choice. We also show that experimental design may influence our understanding of male mating investment patterns, which may limit the generalization of our findings. Nonetheless, we argue that male quality may be an important feature in the expression of male mate choice.

scholarly journals Sport Participation Influences Perceptions of Mate Characteristics

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 147470491201000 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albrecht I. Schulte-Hostedde ◽  
Mark A. Eys ◽  
Michael Emond ◽  
Michael Buzdon
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Team Sport ◽  
Male Athletes ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Initial Hypothesis ◽  
Males And Females ◽  
Larger Sample

Sport provides a context in which mate choice can be facilitated by the display of athletic prowess. Previous work has shown that, for females, team sport athletes are more desirable as mates than individual sport athletes and non-participants. In the present study, the perceptions of males and females were examined regarding potential mates based on sport participation. It was predicted that team sport athletes would be more positively perceived than individual sport athletes and non-participants by both males and females. A questionnaire, a photograph, and manipulated descriptions were used to gauge perceptual differences with respect to team sport athletes, individual sport athletes, and extracurricular club participants for 125 females and 119 males from a Canadian university. Both team and individual sport athletes were perceived as being less lazy, more competitive, and healthier than non-participants by both males and females. Interestingly, females perceived male athletes as more promiscuous than non-athletes, which upholds predictions based on previous research indicating (a) athletes have more sexual partners than non-athletes, and (b) females find athletes more desirable as partners than non-participants. Surprisingly, only males perceived female team sport athletes as more dependable than non-participants, and both team and individual sport athletes as more ambitious. This raises questions regarding the initial hypothesis that male team athletes would be perceived positively by females because of qualities such as the ability to cooperate, likeability, and the acceptance of responsibilities necessary for group functioning. Future studies should examine similar questions with a larger sample size that encompasses multiple contexts, taking into account the role of the social profile of sport in relation to mate choice and perception.

Effects of a Single Gene on Worker and Male Body Mass in the Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

1999 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. D. Goodisman ◽  
Paul D. Mack ◽  
Devon E. Pearse ◽  
Kenneth G. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Solenopsis Invicta ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Fire Ant ◽  
Male Body

Assessing the intensity of sexual selection on male body mass and antler length in roe deer Capreolus capreolus: is bigger better in a weakly dimorphic species?

Oikos ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 1484-1492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cécile Vanpé ◽  
Jean-Michel Gaillard ◽  
Petter Kjellander ◽  
Olof Liberg ◽  
Daniel Delorme ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Selection ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Capreolus Capreolus ◽  
Male Body ◽  
Dimorphic Species

The Detection of Near-Ultraviolet Light by Nonmigratory and Migratory Birds

The Auk ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
John W. Parrish ◽  
James A. Ptacek ◽  
Kevin L. Will
Keyword(s):  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Mate Recognition ◽  
Insectivorous Birds ◽  
Uv Spectrum ◽  
Near Ultraviolet ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Uv Reflectance ◽  
Uv Vision ◽  
First Time

Abstract Near-ultraviolet (UV) light reception was demonstrated for the first time in three species of nonmigratory emberizid and passerid birds. Behavioral data also established that eight additional alcedinid and emberizid birds can detect near-UV wavelengths. The finding that these more recently evolved species can see near-UV light implies that near-UV vision is probably an important visual capability in most, if not all, diurnal birds. Although the utility of near-UV reception for birds remains equivocal, the fact that nonmigratory as well as migratory birds can perceive UV suggests that birds may be able to utilize the UV spectrum for homing, orientation, and navigation, as do the UV-sensitive arthropods. It also can be inferred that UV vision may be especially useful to insectivorous birds for the detection of UV reflectance patterns, which many otherwise cryptic arthropods possess for mate recognition. Ultraviolet reflectance patterns also may be useful to frugivorous and nectarivorous birds for the detection of food items.

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