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Genetic monogamy in the common loon (Gavia immer) |
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| Authors: | Walter H. Piper David C. Evers Michael W. Meyer Keren B. Tischler Joseph D. Kaplan Robert C. Fleischer |
| Affiliation: | (1) Molecular Genetics Laboratory, National Zoological Park, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20008, USA, US;(2) University of Minnesota, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, 200 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA, US;(3) BioDiversity, Inc., 16 Lafayette St., Yarmouth, ME 04096, USA, US;(4) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, North Central District Office, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501, USA, US;(5) 813A Washington St., Kiel, WI 53042, USA, US |
| Abstract: | We conducted behavioral observations and genetic analysis on breeding pairs of common loons in the upper Great Lakes region from 1993 through 1995 to look for behavioral evidence of extrapair copulations (EPCs) and to determine parentage of young. Pairs remained close to each other (usually within 20 m) during the pre-laying period, leaving little opportunity for EPCs to occur. Males and females both maintained physical proximity by approaching each other when they became separated. Copulations were obvious but infrequent, occurring about once every other day during the pre-laying period. Multilocus DNA fingerprinting was consistent with behavioral findings: 58 young from 47 different families were all genetic offspring of parents that raised them. Perfect genetic monogamy (genetic parentage of young by parents that rear them) in loons might arise as a consequence of the need for vigorous territorial defense to prevent territorial takeover. Received: 8 August 1996 / Accepted after revision: 22 March 1997 |
| Keywords: | Loon Parentage DNA fingerprinting monogamy |
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