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The evolution of aggression: can selection generate variability?

J Maynard Smith1, D G Harper

  • 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, U.K.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|July 6, 1988
PubMed
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Natural selection can maintain genetic variability for aggression through various models. Honest signaling of aggressiveness is stable only if individuals face costs for signaling inconsistently with their behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Animal behavior

Background:

  • Genetic variability for aggression can be maintained by natural selection.
  • Contest settlement strategies vary based on trait costs and signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe models where natural selection maintains genetic variability for aggression.
  • To investigate the conditions under which costly and non-costly traits, and signaling, influence contest outcomes.
  • To review and present new data on 'badges of dominance' in birds.

Main Methods:

  • Description of three theoretical models: war of attrition, size game, and badges of dominance game.
  • Review of existing literature on 'badges of dominance' in avian species.
  • Collection and analysis of new data on plumage variability and contest settlement in great tits, greenfinches, and corn buntings.

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Main Results:

  • Non-costly traits settle contests only when resource value is low relative to fighting costs.
  • 'Honest' signaling of aggressiveness is stable if inconsistent signalers incur costs.
  • Plumage variability in great tits, greenfinches, and corn buntings can settle contests, particularly for trivial resources.

Conclusions:

  • Contest settlement depends on the costliness of traits and resource value.
  • Honest signaling requires a cost for deceptive signals.
  • Avian 'badges of dominance' are not always honest indicators and their effectiveness varies with resource value and species.