Birds of a feather lek together
Article Abstract:
The lek comprises a group of males gathering at a traditional site where they perform visual, vocal and chemical rituals to attract females. On most leks, only the most attractive males mate, raising the question as to why subordinates choose to join. Two new unrelated studies of black grouse in Finland and peacocks in the UK provide evidence that males choose related birds as lek mates because cooperation could be to their mutual evolutionary advantage. A surprising finding is that male peacocks with the same father appear to recognize one another, regardless of whether they are reared together.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Peacocks lek with relatives even in the absence of social and environmental cues
Article Abstract:
Males in lek mating groups aggregate at traditional sites to perform mating displays designed to attract females. The benefit of the behaviour is thought to be to increase the number of females per male, but it is unclear why unsuccessful birds join in. A new study of free-range peacocks suggest that male birds choose related birds as lek mates, possibly cooperating to their mutual evolutionary advantage. A surprising finding of the study is that male peacocks use a kin recognition system and do not need to learn who their relatives are.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Sex differences in avian yolk hormone levels
Article Abstract:
Research describing the hormone concentrations in the yolks of male and female eggs is presented. In particular the role of yolk sex steroids in sex determination is examined.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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