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Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

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Escape from predators and genetic variance in birds.

Y Jiang¹, A P Møller¹

¹Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France.

Journal of Evolutionary Biology

|September 13, 2017

Summary

Antipredator behavior, like flight initiation distance (FID), is linked to genetic variation in birds. Lower genetic diversity correlates with reduced antipredator responses, potentially impacting population trends.

Keywords:

band sharing birds flight initiation distance life-history traits microsatellites

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Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Behavioral ecology
Conservation genetics

Background:

Predation is a major driver of mortality, leading to evolved antipredator defenses.
Antipredator behaviors, such as flight initiation distance (FID), reflect a trade-off between predation risk and foraging benefits.
Genetic factors influence the evolution and expression of antipredator defenses.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between genetic variation and antipredator behavior in birds.
To determine if flight initiation distance (FID) is correlated with measures of genetic diversity.

Main Methods:

Analyzed FID in 128 bird species.
Assessed genetic variation using band sharing coefficients (minisatellites), observed heterozygosity, and inbreeding coefficients (microsatellites).
Employed phylogenetic analyses controlling for confounding variables.

Main Results:

Shorter FID was associated with higher band sharing coefficients, lower heterozygosity, and higher inbreeding coefficients.
These correlations held after controlling for body size and other factors.
Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the link between reduced genetic variation and diminished antipredator behavior.

Conclusions:

Antipredator behavior in birds is significantly influenced by genetic variance.
Threatened species with low genetic diversity may exhibit reduced antipredator responses.
This could exacerbate population declines due to predation pressure.