On the evolution of nest raiding and male defensive behaviour in sticklebacks (Pisces: Gasterosteidae) (original) (raw)
Summary
We develop a model to explain the evolution of nest raiding by female sticklebacks based on enhanced female reproductive success derived by creating mating opportunities with the male whose nest has been destroyed. Our model depends critically on the shape of the function relating percentage hatch success to the number of eggs in a male's nest, and the probability that the female will later mate with the male whose nest was raided. Raiding by females will be favoured when the number of eggs in the nest is high providing high egg numbers reduces the percentage hatch rate. High probabilities of mating with the male in question also favour raiding. A second model suggests that males cannot reduce the probability of being raided by limiting the number of eggs in the nest. Instead selection should favour their increasing the number of eggs in the nest. Tests of these models are suggested and their relation to other factors which may influence the evolution of cannibalism are discussed.
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Authors and Affiliations
- Département des Sciences biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Succ. “A”, C.P. 8888, H3C 3P8, Montréal, Qc, Canada
W. L. Vickery - Department of Renewable Resources, Macdonald College, 21111 Lakeshore Rd., H9X 1C0, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Qc, Canada
F. G. Whoriskey - Department de Biologie, Université Laval, G1K 7P4, Ste.-Foy, Qc, Canada
G. J. FitzGerald
Authors
- W. L. Vickery
- F. G. Whoriskey
- G. J. FitzGerald
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Vickery, W.L., Whoriskey, F.G. & FitzGerald, G.J. On the evolution of nest raiding and male defensive behaviour in sticklebacks (Pisces: Gasterosteidae).Behav Ecol Sociobiol 22, 185–193 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300568
- Received: 27 May 1987
- Accepted: 20 November 1987
- Issue date: March 1988
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00300568