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The degree of extra-pair paternity increases with genetic variability
M Petrie1, C Doums, A P Moller
1Evolution and Behavior Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom. marion.petrie@ncl.ac.uk
Summary
Bird mating patterns show that higher genetic variability in a population correlates with increased extra-pair paternity. This suggests genetic diversity influences mate selection strategies in socially monogamous species.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Biology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Genetics
Background:
- Socially monogamous bird species exhibit significant variation in extra-pair paternity, ranging from 0% to 76% extra-pair offspring.
- Intraspecific studies suggest females engage in extra-pair matings to enhance offspring genetic quality.
- The drivers of interspecific variation in extra-pair paternity remain largely unelucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between genetic variation and the incidence of extra-pair paternity across bird species.
- To test the hypothesis that females seek extra-pair matings more frequently when male genetic quality variation is high.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the proportion of polymorphic loci using protein electrophoresis across various bird species.
- Measured genome-wide genetic diversity using random priming in sister species and populations with differing extra-pair paternity levels.
- Statistically controlled for potentially confounding variables in the analyses.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was found between the proportion of extra-pair offspring and the proportion of polymorphic loci.
- Populations exhibiting higher levels of extra-pair paternity also demonstrated greater overall genetic diversity.
- The observed relationship persisted even after accounting for confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Interspecific variation in extra-pair paternity is significantly associated with the genetic variability within a population.
- Genetic diversity appears to be a crucial factor influencing mating system dynamics and mate choice in birds.
- Findings support the role of genetic quality in driving female extra-pair mating decisions.