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Disruptive sexual selection for plumage coloration in a passerine bird

Author

Listed:
  • Erick Greene

    (Division of Biological Sciences The University of Montana)

  • Bruce E. Lyon

    (University of California)

  • Vincent R. Muehter
  • Laurene Ratcliffe

    (Queen's University)

  • Steven J. Oliver

    (Boston University Marine Program)

  • Peter T. Boag

    (Queen's University)

Abstract

The theory of sexual selection was developed to explain the evolution of highly exaggerated sexual ornaments1. Now supported by vast empirical evidence2, sexual selection is generally considered to favour individuals with the most extreme trait expression2,3,4. Here we describe disruptive selection on a sexual ornament, plumage coloration, in yearling male lazuli buntings (Passerina amoena). In habitats with limited good-quality nesting cover, the dullest and the brightest yearlings were more successful in obtaining high-quality territories, pairing with females and siring offspring, than yearlings with intermediate plumage. This pattern reflects the way that territorial adult males vary levels of aggression to influence the structure of their social neighbourhood. Adult males showed less aggression towards dull yearlings than intermediate and bright ones, permitting the dull yearlings to settle on good territories nearby. Fitness comparisons based on paternity analyses showed that both the adults and dull yearlings benefited genetically from this arrangement, revealing a rare example of sexually selected male–male cooperation5,6.

Suggested Citation

  • Erick Greene & Bruce E. Lyon & Vincent R. Muehter & Laurene Ratcliffe & Steven J. Oliver & Peter T. Boag, 2000. "Disruptive sexual selection for plumage coloration in a passerine bird," Nature, Nature, vol. 407(6807), pages 1000-1003, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:407:y:2000:i:6807:d:10.1038_35039500
    DOI: 10.1038/35039500
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    Cited by:

    1. Noë, Ronald, 2016. "How do biological markets compare to the markets of economics?," MPRA Paper 72509, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 11 Jul 2016.
    2. Hammerstein, Peter & Leimar, Olof, 2015. "Evolutionary Game Theory in Biology," Handbook of Game Theory with Economic Applications,, Elsevier.
    3. Fruteau, C., 2010. "Biological markets in the everyday lives of mangabeys and vervets : An observational and experimental study," Other publications TiSEM 3f4fc3e2-723d-4455-9ed2-8, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.

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