Sexual selection for white tail spots in the barn swallow in relation to habitat choice by feather lice
Article Abstract:
White tail spots in the barn swallow, Hirundo rustica, are secondary sexual characters subject to sexual selection, according to research testing a number of predictions regarding the function of white tail spots as indicators of parasite infestation. It has been possible to show a habitat preference by Hirundoecus malleus for white tail spots, indicating that feather lice actively move to the white parts of tail feathers. Tail spots seem to be handicaps as a large spot is more likely to impose a cost than a small spot, but will not do so if feather lice are not present.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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Finding a parent in a king penguin colony: the acoustic system of individual recognition
Article Abstract:
The broadcasting of different parental calls modified in the frequency and temporal domains can provide valuable information about the acoustic parameters to which king penguin chicks are tuned in order to distinguish parental calls from background noise. It was established that amplitude modulation alone is not sufficient to produce recognition. Frequency modulation is clearly a key feature for the recognition of the parental calls, while amplitude modulation is not used for individual recognition.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 1999
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Indirect selection and individual selection in sociobiology: my personal views on theories of social behavior
Article Abstract:
The theories of social behavior are examined with focus on the older group selection models and the more recent kin selection and reciprocity models. The handicap principle used in exploring many components of social systems is presented.
Publication Name: Animal Behaviour
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0003-3472
Year: 2003
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