Explaining postnatal growth plasticity in a generalist brood parasite |
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Authors: | Vladimír Reme? |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Zoology and Laboratory of Ornithology, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, Tr. Svobody 26, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic |
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Abstract: | Selection of a particular host has clear consequences for the performance of avian brood parasites. Experimental studies showed
that growth rate and fledging mass of brood parasites varied between host species independently of the original host species.
Finding correlates of this phenotypic plasticity in growth is important for assessing adaptiveness and potential fitness consequences
of host choice. Here, I analyzed the effects of several host characteristics on growth rate and fledging mass of the young
of brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater), a generalist, non-evicting brood parasite. Cowbird chicks grew better in fast-developing host species and reached higher
fledging mass in large hosts with fast postnatal development. A potential proximate mechanism linking fast growth and high
fledging mass of cowbird with fast host development is superior food supply in fast-developing foster species. So far, we
know very little about the consequences of the great plasticity in cowbird growth for later performance of the adult parasite.
Thus, cowbird species could become interesting model systems for investigating the role of plasticity and optimization in
the evolution of growth rate in birds. |
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