TY - JOUR
T1 - Mate preference does not influence reproductive motivation and parental cooperation in female zebra finches
AU - Pogány, Ákos
AU - Szurovecz, Zita
AU - Vincze, Erno
AU - Barta, Zoltán
AU - Székely, Tamás
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - In socially monogamous species, low availability of sexually active unpaired individuals in the local population may constrain mate choice, resulting in mating with sub-optimal partners. Here we experimentally investigate whether female reproductive behaviour is different when paired with a preferred or a non-preferred male in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). First, we assessed female mating preferences using a four-way choice apparatus, then females were caged together with either their preferred or least-preferred male. Female reproductive motivation, assessed by the propensity of laying eggs within two weeks from pairing and clutch mass, did not differ between the two experimental groups. Females responded to mate removal by either increasing their care, so as to compensate for the lost care of their mate, or by significantly reducing incubation. This bimodal response was not explained by mate preference, nevertheless, we found that females with lower baseline (i.e., pre-manipulation) incubation effort were more likely to cease incubation during mate removal. Taken together, we found no evidence that female reproductive behaviour varies along with mate preference.
AB - In socially monogamous species, low availability of sexually active unpaired individuals in the local population may constrain mate choice, resulting in mating with sub-optimal partners. Here we experimentally investigate whether female reproductive behaviour is different when paired with a preferred or a non-preferred male in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). First, we assessed female mating preferences using a four-way choice apparatus, then females were caged together with either their preferred or least-preferred male. Female reproductive motivation, assessed by the propensity of laying eggs within two weeks from pairing and clutch mass, did not differ between the two experimental groups. Females responded to mate removal by either increasing their care, so as to compensate for the lost care of their mate, or by significantly reducing incubation. This bimodal response was not explained by mate preference, nevertheless, we found that females with lower baseline (i.e., pre-manipulation) incubation effort were more likely to cease incubation during mate removal. Taken together, we found no evidence that female reproductive behaviour varies along with mate preference.
KW - biparental care
KW - mate preference
KW - mate removal
KW - parental cooperation
KW - partner compensation
KW - sexual conflict
KW - Taeniopygia guttata
KW - zebra finch
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84908680716&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568539X-00003221
U2 - 10.1163/1568539X-00003221
DO - 10.1163/1568539X-00003221
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84908680716
SN - 0005-7959
VL - 151
SP - 1885
EP - 1901
JO - Behaviour
JF - Behaviour
IS - 12-13
ER -