Dietary amino acids influence plumage traits and immune responses of male house sparrows, Passer domesticus, but not as expected
Article Abstract:
A study on the hypothesis that a signal and the bearer's immunocompetence are linked through a condition-dependent pathway was conducted by measuring the effect of specific dietary components on the development of a melanin-based plumage signal and production of antibodies in juvenile male sparrow entering their first moult. Results revealed that the amino acid precursor to melanin affect melanin synthesis if scarce in diet but do not affect the size, the most conspicuously variable aspect of the signal and found no evidence of a condition-dependent link between melanin synthesis and immunocompotence.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2005
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Food availability affects diurnal nest predation and adult antipredator behaviour in song sparrows, Melospiza melodia
Article Abstract:
Effect of availability of food on the antipredator behavior of song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, which in turn affects predators nest predation rate and predation timing, is analyzed.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2006
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Intensity of interference affects the distribution of house sparrows, Passer domesticus, at food patches
Article Abstract:
Impact of interference on the distribution of house sparrows at food patches is presented. Reduced interference leading to increased animal densities is observed.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2006
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