Heritability of Female Extra-Pair Paternity Rate in Song Sparrows
Author Information
Author(s): Jane M. Reid, Peter Arcese, Rebecca J. Sardell, Lukas F. Keller
Primary Institution: Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that female extra-pair reproduction evolves through indirect genetic benefits, which requires that a female's propensity to produce extra-pair offspring is heritable.
Conclusion
The study found significant additive genetic variance and heritability in the proportion of a female's offspring sired by an extra-pair male, suggesting that indirect genetic benefits could influence the evolution of extra-pair reproduction.
Supporting Evidence
- Significant additive genetic variance was found in the proportion of offspring sired by extra-pair males.
- Heritability estimates were 0.12 and 0.18 on the observed and latent scales, respectively.
- The study utilized 16 years of comprehensive reproductive success and pedigree data.
Takeaway
This study shows that female song sparrows can have babies with other males, and this behavior can be passed down to their offspring, which might help their babies survive better.
Methodology
The study used 16 years of paternity and pedigree data from song sparrows to estimate the heritability and genetic variance of female extra-pair paternity rates.
Limitations
The estimates of heritability were moderately small, suggesting that the force of selection on extra-pair reproduction may be weak.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on a resident population of song sparrows on Mandarte Island, British Columbia, Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.12 and 0.18
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.05–0.31 for latent-scale heritability
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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