Social feedback and attractiveness in zebra finches |
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Authors: | Nick J Royle Thomas W Pike |
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Institution: | (1) Division of Environmental and Evolutionary Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK;(2) Present address: Centre for Ecology and Conservation, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9EZ, UK |
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Abstract: | The attractiveness of an individual (i.e. its ability to arouse interest in a potential mate) has important implications for
its reproductive success. However, attractiveness is not a fixed trait. Previous work has shown that male birds can adjust
the intensity of their courtship display in response to variation in female behaviour, but little is known about how males
adjust their behaviour during mate choice in response to social feedback about their own attractiveness independent of their
intrinsic quality. Such information may help to maximize the potential mating success of males. Here, we provide experimental
evidence that the amount of attention given by male zebra finches to females is dependent upon the manipulated attractiveness
of males. This demonstrates that, in this socially monogamous species of bird, attractiveness of males could be considered
to be a social construct, at least partially determined via social feedback from females. |
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