Condition-dependent expression of melanin-based coloration in the Eurasian kestrel.

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Version: Final published version
Serval ID
serval:BIB_A248C660943A
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Condition-dependent expression of melanin-based coloration in the Eurasian kestrel.
Journal
Naturwissenschaften
Author(s)
Piault R., van den Brink V., Roulin A.
ISSN
1432-1904 (Electronic)
ISSN-L
0028-1042
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2012
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
99
Number
5
Pages
391-396
Language
english
Abstract
Melanin is the most common pigment in animal integuments and is responsible for some of the most striking ornaments. A central tenet of sexual selection theory states that melanin-based traits can signal absolute individual quality in any environment only if their expression is condition-dependent. Significant costs imposed by an ornament would ensure that only the highest quality individuals display the most exaggerated forms of the signal. Firm evidence that melanin-based traits can be condition-dependent is still rare in birds. In an experimental test of this central assumption, we report condition-dependent expression of a melanin-based trait in the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). We manipulated nestling body condition by reducing or increasing the number of nestlings soon after hatching. A few days before fledging, we measured the width of sub-terminal black bands on the tail feathers. Compared to nestlings from enlarged broods, individuals raised in reduced broods were in better condition and thereby developed larger sub-terminal bands. Furthermore, in 2 years, first-born nestlings also developed larger sub-terminal bands than their younger siblings that are in poorer condition. This demonstrates that expression of melanin-based traits can be condition-dependent.
Keywords
Animals, Clutch Size, Falconiformes/metabolism, Falconiformes/physiology, Female, Linear Models, Male, Melanins/metabolism, Pigmentation/physiology, Sex Characteristics, Skin/metabolism
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
03/04/2012 8:50
Last modification date
20/08/2019 15:08
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