Extra-pair fertilizations contribute to selection on secondary male ornamentation in a socially monogamous passerine

0331396 - ÚBO 2010 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Albrecht, Tomáš - Vinkler, Michal - Schnitzer, J. - Poláková, Radka - Munclinger, P. - Bryja, Josef
Extra-pair fertilizations contribute to selection on secondary male ornamentation in a socially monogamous passerine.
Journal of Evolutionary Biology. Roč. 22, č. 10 (2009), s. 2020-2030. ISSN 1010-061X. E-ISSN 1420-9101
R&D Projects: GA ČR GA206/06/0851; GA AV ČR IAA600930608; GA MŠMT LC06073
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60930519
Keywords : extra-pair paternity * sexual selection * variance in fitness * within-pair reproductive success
Subject RIV: EB - Genetics ; Molecular Biology
Impact factor: 3.816, year: 2009

In this study, we test the hypothesis that extra-pair fertilizations (EPF) contribute to the evolution or maintenance of male feather ornamentation in a sexually dichromatic passerine, the Scarlet Rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus. We show that the colouration of ornamental breast feathers is a good predictor of basic sources of variation in male annual reproductive output in rosefinches and that the annual realized reproductive success of males is positively associated with measures of ornamental colouration only when gains and losses because of EPF are considered. The results indicate that EPF in rosefinches may rely on absolute (good genes) rather than self referential (genetic complementarity) criteria of mate choice. Our study corroborates the potentially important role of EPF in the evolution and/or maintenance of elaborate male ornaments in socially monogamous taxa.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0176922