Multi-locus DNA fingerprinting supports genetic monogamy in Florida scrub-jays |
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Authors: | James S Quinn Glen E Woolfenden John W Fitzpatrick Bradley N White |
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Institution: | (1) e-mail: quinn@mcmaster.ca, Tel.: +1-905-5259140 Fax: +1-905-5226066,;(2) Department of Biology, McMaster University 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada, CA;(3) Department of Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa FL 33620, USA, US;(4) Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850, USA, US |
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Abstract: | Extensive behavioural and pedigree data on a colour-marked population of Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) suggested that this cooperatively breeding species is monogamous, with extremely rare exceptions in which males have two
mates. We used multi-locus DNA fingerprinting to test these observations by determining genetic parentage. Despite restricted
dispersal and high relatedness between behavioural parents and non-breeding members of the group, DNA fingerprints provided
sufficient variability to determine parentage unambiguously in almost all cases. We found no evidence of extra-pair fertilisation
of females or egg dumping, and confirmed a suspected case of polygyny in which a mother and daughter laid and incubated in
the same nest. Our results confirm that detailed behavioural data allow accurate assignment of genetic parentage in this species.
In Florida scrub-jays, large territory size may limit opportunities for cuckoldry, and persistent intense competition for
limited breeding space may lead to low variance in the quality of established male breeders. These factors would reduce both
the opportunity for, and benefits of engaging in extra-pair fertilisations. Delayed dispersal and cooperative breeding in
this species have not evolved as avenues for direct reproduction by unpaired individuals.
Received: 25 May 1998 / Accepted after revision: 26 June 1998 |
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Keywords: | Parentage Cooperatively breeding birds Florida scrub-jay DNA fingerprinting Aphelocoma coerulescens Genetic monogamy Extra-pair fertilisation |
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