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Extra-pair paternity in waved albatrosses
K P Huyvaert1, D J Anderson, T C Jones
1Department of Biology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem NC 27109, USA. huyvaert.1@osn.edu
Molecular Ecology
|September 6, 2000
Summary
Extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) are common in waved albatrosses, a socially monogamous seabird. Genetic analysis revealed EPFs in four of 16 families, suggesting a high rate in this species.
Area of Science:
- Ornithology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Conservation Genetics
Background:
- Waved albatrosses (Phoebastria irrorata) are long-lived, socially monogamous seabirds.
- Aggressive extra-pair copulation (EPC) attempts have been observed in breeding waved albatrosses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the rate of extra-pair fertilizations (EPFs) in waved albatrosses.
- To investigate the occurrence of EPFs in a population on Isla Española, Galápagos.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus minisatellite DNA fingerprinting was used for genetic analysis.
- 16 families, including single chicks and attending parents, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Evidence of EPFs was found in four out of 16 analyzed families.
- In all identified EPF cases, the attending male was not the genetic father.
Conclusions:
- Waved albatrosses exhibit a high rate of EPFs compared to related species.
- Further behavioral studies are needed to distinguish between forced and unforced EPCs.