Light environment and mating behavior in Trinidadian guppies (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Poecilia reticulata</Emphasis>) |
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Authors: | Gabrielle A Archard Innes C Cuthill Julian C Partridge |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG, UK;(2) Present address: School of Forest Resources, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16802, USA |
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Abstract: | Male guppies, Poecilia reticulata, have color patterns that result from a balance between natural selection for crypsis to avoid predators and sexual selection
for bright, complex patterns that attract females. Males use displays to show off these patterns to potential mates, but their
conspicuousness also depends on the light environment in which they are viewed. We investigated variation in natural underwater
guppy light environments in Trinidad, West Indies, and found that mating behavior is correlated with both the ‘quantity’ (total
irradiance) and ‘quality’ (spectral composition) of light: light intensity and the proportion of ultraviolet light were negatively
related to display rates. Experimental manipulation of light environment to mimic natural daily changes demonstrated that
these relationships are causal and are independent of time of day effects. At lower light levels, when guppies are less detectable
by visually hunting predators, females had more opportunity for active mate choice, because males displayed more. However,
these light conditions may reduce the ability of females to accurately discriminate between males. Guppy mating behavior is
therefore strongly affected by light environment, and this may have important effects on sexual selection. |
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