Behavioural and Breeding-Habitat Related Aspects of Sperm Competition in Razorbills

Behaviour ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 123 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Special Problem ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Fertile Period ◽  
Colonial Species ◽  
Paternity Assurance ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Copulation Behaviour

AbstractI observed razorbill copulation behaviour to examine the ability of males to assure their paternity in the presence of sperm competition. While males in colonial species are generally unable to guard their mates throughout the female's fertile period, male razorbills suffered a special problem in that females actively sought extra-pair copulations (EPCs) and did so in two separate locations, the colony and ledges outside the colony called "mating arenas". Most within-pair and extra-pair copulations were performed in the mating arenas (74% and 82%, respectively). Individuals were consistent in their attendance in one of the two arenas, depending upon the accessibility of the breeding site from the arena, and the attendance of other individuals from the same sub-colony. Individuals were also consistent in their occupation of specific sites within the arenas, and usually attended these sites between years. Attendance in the relatively small arenas brought individuals from the sparser colony into much closer proximity than when they attended their nesting sites. The higher density in the arenas was associated with females receiving EPC attempts three times more frequently upon arrival in the arenas than in the colony. Females resisted most EPC attempts, but a high proportion (50%) of females accepted at least one EPC prior to egg-laying. Mating arena attendance by males was aimed at obtaining EPCs when their mates were absent, and at attempting to assure their paternity when their mates were present. Paternity assurance was accomplished by a) inhibiting their mates from accepting EPCs, b) depriving other males access to the female, and c) copulating with the female frequently. Males did not guard their mates effectively in that they were absent from the mating arenas during a large proportion (34%) of their mates' arrivals. The principal male strategy for gaining paternity assurance was apparently to attempt frequent copulations with their mates. Males achieved cloacal contact (and presumably insemination) with their mates approximately 80 times during the 30 days preceding the laying of the single egg, and the number of days males attended the arenas was positively correlated with the number of

Intraspecific Variation in Extra-Pair Copulation and Mate Defence in Common Guillemots Uria Aalge

Behaviour ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 107 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 157-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
B.J. Hatchwell
Keyword(s):  
Male Partner ◽  
Relative Number ◽  
Selective Advantage ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Breeding Density ◽  
Fertile Period ◽  
Mixed Reproductive Strategy ◽  
Copulation Behaviour ◽  
Number Of Males

Extra-pair copulation (EPC) in common guillemots was frequent during the pre-laying period. Although guillemots are essentially monogamous, males adopted a mixed reproductive strategy (MRS) by attempting to obtain forced extra-pair copulations (FEPC) during the female's fertile period, which was estimated to start 25 days prior to laying. Males spent more time at the colony than females and exhibited highly synchronized cycles of attendance during the pre-laying period in order to defend their partner against EPC attempts. By doing so they probably incurred some energetic cost. Pair copulation started as soon as the adults returned to the colony (4-5 months before the start of egg-laying), when it probably serves a pair-bonding function. From about 25 days before egg-laying (day -25) the PC rate increased, peaking at about day -12. It was estimated that guillemots copulated 22 times in the three weeks prior to egg-laying. The FEPC rate increased towards egg-laying and was more closely correlated with date than with the relative number of males present, although the number of males involved in each FEPC attempt increased towards laying. During the fertile period, 10% of all observed copulation attempts were FEPCs. However, the success rate (the proportion achieving cloacal contact) of FEPCs was much lower (6%) than that of PCs (74%). Females also employed an MRS, occasionally soliciting or co-operating in unforced extra-pair copulations (UEPCs) when their male partner was absent from the colony. UEPCs were much more successful (95%) than FEPCs, but also less frequent. The effect of breeding density on copulation behaviour was examined. FEPCs were more frequent at high breeding densities than at low density. The probability of obtaining FEPC insemination for males with two or more neighbours was about ten times that of males with no neighbours. Similarly, the risk of cuckoldry increased with density. increased with density. Three hypotheses were considered concerning the effect of density on the PC rate: the 'dilution' hypothesis predicted a higher PC rate at high density, and the 'disguise' and 'interference' hypotheses predicted a lower PC rate at high breeding density. The PC rate decreased with increasing density as a result of disruption of PCs by neighbouring males attempting to obtain FEPCs, a result consistent with the 'interference' hypothesis. The reproductive success of males obtaining EPCs, cuckolded males, and non-EPC/non-cuckold males was examined, and a selective advantage of 10% estimated for successful EPC males over cuckolds.

Male Starlings Sing Most in the Late Morning, Following Egg-Laying: A Strategy to Protect Their Paternity?

Behaviour ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 135 (8) ◽  
pp. 1197-1211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rianne Pinxten ◽  
Marcel Eens
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Fertile Period ◽  
European Starlings ◽  
Song Rate ◽  
Paired Male ◽  
Ovulatory Period

AbstractAccording to the 'fertility-announcement hypothesis', the song of paired males might function partly as a paternity guard strategy and partly to maximize their own extra-pair copulations (EPCs). A major prediction of this hypothesis is that males should sing most when the fertility of their mate reaches a temporal (both seasonal and diurnal) peak. We report some tests of this hypothesis from a study of monogamously paired male European starlings Stumus vulgaris. Mated males sang significantly more during the fertile period of their mate and most males even completely ceased singing after their mate's fertile period. During the ovulatory period mated males sang significantly more in the late morning (0900-1200 hours) following egg-laying, when most females may have reached peak diurnal fertility, than early in the morning (0600-0900 hours). For six females, we were able to determine precise laying times during their ovulatory period and we found that their mates had a significantly higher song rate within the insemination window (the first hour following egg-laying) than before egg-laying. Although male starlings sing most when their mate's fertility reaches a seasonal and diurnal peak, our observations suggest that post-pairing song in monogamous males does not function primarily to deter other males attempting EPCs, or to attract extra-pair mates. Our results rather suggest that post-pairing song in monogamous males is directed mainly towards their own female and functions to stimulate her to solicit copulations. This may be important in the context of sperm competition if frequent pair copulations result in a higher fertilization rate for the male when EPCs have occurred.

Paternity assurance through frequent copulations in a wild passerine with intense sperm competition

2009 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 183-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan A. Crowe ◽  
Oddmund Kleven ◽  
Kira E. Delmore ◽  
Terje Laskemoen ◽  
Joseph J. Nocera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Competition ◽  
Paternity Assurance

Evidence for continuous iteroparity in a temperate-zone frog, the red-crowned toadlet, Pseudophryne australis (Anura : Myobatrachidae)

2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 151 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Thumm ◽  
M. J. Mahony
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Response ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Reproductive Loss ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Large Clutch ◽  
Variance In Reproductive Success ◽  
High Recruitment

The breeding behaviour of the red-crowned toadlet, Pseudophryne australis, was observed both in the field and in captivity. Female and male red-crowned toadlets were active in the field throughout the year. New egg masses were observed all year except mid-winter. Females returned in a gravid condition repeatedly to the breeding site over years and presumably deposited eggs, and a captive female has laid 34 clutches over 7.25 years. P. australis has evolved continuous iteroparity in a region where most frogs breed once a year, seasonally, in reliable long-lasting ponds or permanent creeks. We suggest that the comparatively extreme iteroparity observed is a result of the limitations imposed on the species in the choice of oviposition time, due to unpredictable rainfall, and of the limited availability and suitability of nesting sites. Further, iteroparity may have evolved because there is high variance in reproductive success, or particularly high recruitment losses incurred as a result of the desiccation of embryos or larvae in the ephemeral breeding sites. The adaptive response is to lay small clutches often and to gamble that follow up rains will occur on some occasions to enable recruitment. The alternative, to lay a large clutch of eggs at one time and have the ephemeral pond dry because there was no follow-up rain, would lead to total reproductive loss.

Breeding-site selection by red-belly toads, Melanophryniscus stelzneri (Anura: Bufonidae), in Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerardo Leynaud ◽  
Julián Lescano ◽  
Laura Pereyra
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Selection ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Ephemeral Ponds ◽  
Spawning Sites ◽  
Habitat Variables

AbstractDifferences among wetlands can have important consequences on reproductive success of amphibians; therefore habitat selection is expected to be of particular importance for anurans inhabiting heterogeneous environments. To investigate if the red-belly toad (Melanophryniscus stelzneri; Anura: Bufonidae) uses available habitats differentially and to determine the main factors influencing the use of certain water bodies as breeding habitat, we surveyed 30 spawning sites used by red-belly toads, and 30 adjacent unused sites, in an area of the Sierras of Córdoba, Argentina. We evaluated the relative importance of morphological and biotic features of ponds, and the presence of other organisms within the water body on the use of ponds as breeding sites by red-belly toads. Eight habitat variables related to important water body features were recorded and were used to fit a habitat selection model with GLM. Red-belly toads presented a positive selection to mallines, a wetland characteristic of the Sierras of Córdoba. They were associated with small, shallow ephemeral ponds with muddy banks and a high percent of vegetation cover. In general, the ponds used did not host other anuran species or potential predators. Breeding site selection by red-belly toads is largely consistent with records for other species of the genus in other parts of Argentina.

scholarly journals A case of communal egg-laying of Gonatodes albogularis (Sauria, Sphaerodactylidae) in bromeliads (Poales, Bromeliaceae)

Herpetozoa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 45-49
Author(s):  
Valentina de los Ángeles Carvajal-Ocampo ◽  
María Camila Ángel-Vallejo ◽  
Paul David Alfonso Gutiérrez-Cárdenas ◽  
Fabiola Ospina-Bautista ◽  
Jaime Vicente Estévez Varón
Keyword(s):  
First Record ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Tank Bromeliad

The Neotropical Yellow-Headed Gecko Gonatodesalbogularis commonly use cavities in the trees as a microhabitat for egg-laying. Here, we present the first record of this species in Colombia using the tank bromeliad Tillandsiaelongata as nesting sites, along with the occurrence of communal egg-laying in that microhabitat.

scholarly journals Breeding Performances of the European Blackbird (Turdus merula) in Morocco: Habitat Selection, Breeding Phenology, and Breeding Success

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Abderahim El Hassani ◽  
Ismail Mansouri ◽  
Wafae Squalli ◽  
Abdelbari El Agy ◽  
Amine Assouguem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Apple Orchards ◽  
Detailed Data ◽  
Widespread Species ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Nest Height

The European Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a widespread species. In Morocco, available knowledge on this species is limited to a few descriptive pieces of information with no detailed data provided. With climate change and the intensification of agricultural activities, the study of the breeding performances of this species is indispensable for management purposes. This study investigates breeding biology, nesting habitats, breeding chronology, and reproductive success of the European Blackbird in both apple orchards and surrounding woody vegetation at Ait Ayach (Morocco) between March and August 2016. We monitored weekly nest status, nesting sites, breeding dates, and failure factors. Results showed that the European Blackbird nests mainly in apple orchards, on Golden Delicious and Starkrimson Delicious trees. Nest height above the ground was 214.15 ± 0.09 cm. Blackbird nests were cup-shaped with medium size dimensions and built from twigs, including dry leaves, stems, and roots walled by the mud. Breeding activities started firstly by nest construction during the last week of April, secondly by egg laying during the first week of May, and thirdly by hatching during the second week of May. Among the 74 surveyed nests, 100% were active during the nesting phase and 88.38% of eggs have succeeded during the incubation phase. In total, 69.03% of chicks have been emancipated. In short, 15.9% of clutches were attacked by predators, 14.35% of clutches were failed due to nest desertion, and 8.75% of chicks were dead. Our study provides the first and only detailed data on reproductive parameters of the European Blackbird in Moroccan ecosystems. Data collected from this study provide valuable information for long-term monitoring of the Moroccan Blackbird population. Additionally, our data offer a possibility of large-scale comparative studies of the reproductive ecology of the Blackbird species.

scholarly journals Effect of sand granulometry on the egg hatchling success of the sea turtle Caretta caretta

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-54
Author(s):  
Maria Fernanda Tacchi ◽  
Fernanda Peres Quirino ◽  
Diego Júnior Martins Ferreira ◽  
Lílian Gomes Afonso ◽  
Federico Tognin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Fine Sand ◽  
Caretta Caretta ◽  
Sea Turtle ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Laying Date ◽  
Loggerhead Sea Turtle ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Potential Alternative

The environmental characteristics of nesting sites of sea turtles may directly interfere with the egg hatchling success. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the factors that affect the success of hatchling in the nests of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Data from 37 nests of C. caretta from the coast of Mata de São João, Bahia, northeastern Brazil, were obtained from TAMAR, Sauípe station. Samples of sand were collected in each nest to determine the granulometry. A significant negative relationship was found between the stillborn rate and the fine sand ratio (r2 = 0.119; p = 0.036), indicating that a larger fraction of fine sand had a positive effect on nest hatchling success. The egg laying date also had a significant influence on the rate of stillbirths (r2 = 0.163; p = 0.013), with a trend towards a higher stillbirth rate, the later the laying date of the eggs. There is indication that the transfer of eggs to sites with more favorable characteristics may be considered as a potential alternative to increase the hatchling success rate of C. caretta eggs.

scholarly journals Analisis Spasial Kejadian Malaria Dan Habitat Larva Nyamuk Anopheles spp di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Winong Kabupaten Purworejo

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Resiany Nababan ◽  
Sitti Rahmah Umniyati
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Breeding Site ◽  
Buffer Zone ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Livestock Breeding ◽  
Weather Factor ◽  
Mosquito Nets ◽  
Work Area

Purpose: This study was to analyze risk factors with malaria case, to map the spatial distribution of malaria cases related to breeding habit to location spacing and to know the habitat of Anopheles sp.  mosquito larvae in  public health center Winong, district of Purworejo. Method: A case control study through geographic information system. Results: Temperature, humidity and rainfall variables have no correlation with malaria incidence. There was correlation between malaria incidence with the existence of breeding habitat, house wall condition and nighttime habit, whereas the presence of livestock, breeding site distance, the habit of wearing mosquito nets, the use of wire mesh, the use of mosquito repellent and the habit of visiting endemic areas have no relationship with malaria incidence. Night out habits were the highest risk factors associated with malaria incidence. Conclusion: There is no correlation between weather factor and malaria incidence. There is a relationship between the presence of larval breeding habitat, the condition of the wall of the house and the habit of going out at night with the incidence of malaria. There are 3 clusters in the work area of Puskesmas Winong and most cases are in the buffer zone area 1000 m distance.

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