Mating System Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Despite the considerable number of studies of avian mating systems, the reasons for divorce in monogamous birds are still poorly understood. It is now generally believed that divorce is a reproductive strategy by an individual to maximize... more

Despite the considerable number of studies of avian mating systems, the reasons for divorce in monogamous birds are still poorly understood. It is now generally believed that divorce is a reproductive strategy by an individual to maximize its own fitness, and that birds are continuously faced with the decision of whether to stay with the old mate or divorce in favour of a different partner. The key to understanding when divorce will occur lies in determining the costs and benefits of both pair fidelity and divorce. These are likely to be species-specific and related to the varying life histories. Individuals are expected to divorce when the benefits outweigh the costs. Although a number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain why and when individuals may divorce, these are scattered throughout the literature and have not been critically compared and contrasted either theoretically or empirically. Confusion still exists as to the underlying assumptions and predictions of the individual models, mainly because a sound theoretical framework is lacking. Empirical studies to date are few and have been mainly post-hoc interpretations. Further advances in the field require sound mathematical modelling of the hypotheses and more experimental studies that rigorously test a priori predictions. These include removal of mates to create vacancies under controlled situations, manipulating sex ratios to increase intra-sexual competition, reducing or enlarging clutch sizes to alter perceived fitness, and manipulating the availability or quality of territories or mates to determine to what extent this affects divorce rates.

Viola elatior, V. pumila and V. stagnina (syn. V. persicifolia) are very rare in central and western Europe and redlisted in many central European countries. To improve their conservation and to base management efforts on sound scientific... more

Viola elatior, V. pumila and V. stagnina (syn. V. persicifolia) are very rare in central and western Europe and redlisted in many central European countries. To improve their conservation and to base management efforts on sound scientific knowledge, we here review the available information on their biology. A comparative approach is adopted to identify similarities and differences between the species. Special emphasis will be on taxonomy, community ecology and population biology.

Comparative studies of brain size have a long history and contributed much to our understanding of the evolution and function of the brain and its parts. Recently, bats have been used increasingly as model organisms for such studies... more

Comparative studies of brain size have a long history and contributed much to our understanding of the evolution and function of the brain and its parts. Recently, bats have been used increasingly as model organisms for such studies because of their large number of species, high diversity of life-history strategies, and a comparatively detailed knowledge of their neuroanatomy. Here, we draw attention to inherent problems of comparative brain size studies, highlighting limitations but also suggesting alternative approaches. We argue that the complexity and diversity of neurological tasks that the brain and its functional regions (subdivisions) must solve cannot be explained by a single or few variables representing selective pressures. Using an example we show that by adding a single relevant variable, morphological adaptation to foraging strategy, to a previous analysis a correlation between brain and testes mass disappears completely and changes entirely the interpretation of the study. Future studies should not only look for novel determinants of brain size but also include known correlates in order to add to our current knowledge. \Ve believe that comparisons at more detailed anatomical, taxonomic, and geographical levels will continue to contribute to our understanding of the function and evolution of mammalian brains.

Reproductive biology and social behaviour of the parrotfish Sparisoma cretense was studied in the Azores Islands, northeast Atlantic, to characterize its spawning season and general reproductive biology in the region, to clarify the... more

Reproductive biology and social behaviour of the parrotfish Sparisoma cretense was studied in the Azores Islands, northeast Atlantic, to characterize its spawning season and general reproductive biology in the region, to clarify the species mating system and associated spawning behaviours, and to evaluate the relationship between its reproductive traits and habitat features. S. cretense exhibits a dual mating system where males hold female harems within year-round territories or live in multi-male groups. Group behaviour predominates in smaller size classes, and territoriality in larger size classes. Males mature and become territorial earlier in life than females, and the best territories are held by larger males. The two behavioural modes are usually spatially segregated, with larger territorial fish preferring exposed and deeper reef ledges, and group fish occupying shallower, protected habitats. However, they frequently interact and overlap in space, especially during reproduction in the summer. Our findings indicate a highly competitive system and suggest that high quality spawning sites are important for the reproductive success of both types of fish. Patchiness of habitat along shorelines determines the relative distribution and equilibrium of territorial versus group fish. The complexity of this relationship between social structure and habitat might impact the populations' productivity, and could influence the success of marine protected areas for this species.

Isatis tinctoria L. (woad) is a dye plant whose cultivation is increasing because of its adaptability to marginal conditions and increasing demand for natural products. Suitable breeding schemes need to be set up in order to obtain woad... more

Isatis tinctoria L. (woad) is a dye plant whose cultivation is increasing because of its adaptability to marginal conditions and increasing demand for natural products. Suitable breeding schemes need to be set up in order to obtain woad varieties for each proposed environment. Presently, no data about the reproductive system are available. The effects of selfing and crossing on setting and progeny vigour were assessed. Results showed the existence of an outcrossing system in I. tinctoria. Obligate self-pollinated plants produced fewer siliques (7.1 g per plant) with lower weight (6.0 mg) and lower seed germinability (8.2%) than outcrossing plants (44.1 g, 8.0 mg and 46.0% for each character, respectively). Self-pollinated progenies also generally showed lower vigour than outcrossing progenies.

There is growing interest in the mating systems of sharks and their relatives (Class Chondrichthyes) because these ancient fishes occupy a key position in vertebrate phylogeny and are increasingly in need of conservation due to widespread... more

There is growing interest in the mating systems of sharks and their relatives (Class Chondrichthyes) because these ancient fishes occupy a key position in vertebrate phylogeny and are increasingly in need of conservation due to widespread overexploitation. Based on precious few genetic and field observational studies, current speculation is that polyandrous mating strategies and multiple paternity may be common in sharks as they are in most other vertebrates. Here, we test this hypothesis by examining the genetic mating system of the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo , using microsatellite DNA profiling of 22 litters (22 mothers, 188 embryos genotyped at four polymorphic loci) obtained from multiple locations along the west coast of Florida. Contrary to expectations based on the ability of female S. tiburo to store sperm, the social nature of this species and the 100% multiple paternity observed in two other coastal shark species, over 81% of sampled bonnethead females produced litters sired by a single male (i.e. genetic monogamy). When multiple paternity occurred in S. tiburo , there was an indication of increased incidence in larger mothers with bigger litters. Our data suggest that sharks may exhibit complex genetic mating systems with a high degree of interspecific variability, and as a result some species may be more susceptible to loss of genetic variation in the face of escalating fishing pressure. Based on these findings, we suggest that knowledge of elasmobranch mating systems should be an important component of conservation and management programmes for these heavily exploited species.

Progress in the Finnish breeding programme for rainbow trout was assessed by estimating genetic trends in growth, maturity age and skeletal deformations and by calculating rates of inbreeding and additive genetic relationships. The... more

Progress in the Finnish breeding programme for rainbow trout was assessed by estimating genetic trends in growth, maturity age and skeletal deformations and by calculating rates of inbreeding and additive genetic relationships. The analysis included two pedigreed populations with three generations and over 117,000 individuals recorded for skeletal deformations, growth and age at maturity. Because the breeding station is located in fresh water but sea is the main production environment, each family was split into subgroups to be tested for performance either in fresh or sea water. Estimation of breeding values across the generations showed that multitrait selection has produced an average of 7% genetic gain per generation in fresh and sea water growth of market-sized fish. In the population with high frequency of early maturing males, phenotypic culling of early maturing males has prevented an increase in the frequency of early maturing fish. In the other population, the frequency of early maturing females has increased, the genetic change being unfavourable. Weak favourable or no correlated genetic changes were observed in the frequency of deformations in response to selection for the production traits. Rate of inbreeding has remained low, the maximum value being 0.7% per generation. Because mating of close relatives has been avoided, an increase in coefficient of additive genetic relationships describes the risk of the programme more realistically than rate of inbreeding. The average increase in relationship was 0.7% per generation, a value below the suggested precaution level.

The population dynamics of a monogamous coral-reef fish were examined to test hypotheses of recruitment limitation, predation, and postrecruitment processes, and to determine their affects on the mating system. Valenciennea strigata are... more

The population dynamics of a monogamous coral-reef fish were examined to test hypotheses of recruitment limitation, predation, and postrecruitment processes, and to determine their affects on the mating system. Valenciennea strigata are monogamous gobies that live in sand and rubble zones throughout the Indo-Pacific. Seasonal abundance was recorded in the summer and winter over 2.5 years. A subset of this population was tagged (n = 256) and followed to determine mortality and mobility. Valenciennea strigata were more abundant in summer than in winter, suggesting that a pulse of recruitment in the spring set the maximum population density. Growth rates derived from tagged fish support the hypothesis that recruitment peaked in the spring. Tagged fish experienced 88% mortality within six months; the annual mortality rate approached 100%. Evidence of predation, antipredatory behavior and strong site fidelity implicate predation as the primary source of mortality. Competition for space was not observed between adults, but may affect settlement and recruitment. Despite the lack of adult competition for space, both sexes guarded their mates and courted individuals of the opposite sex. Thus, although population size appears to be determined by nonequilibrium processes, the mating system is affected by competition for mates. Successful mate guarding by both sexes enforced monogamy.

Breeding objectives for meat sheep in Ireland have been defined and used in the development of selection sub-indices to provide commercial producers with an economic comparison of animals for specific performance trait groups. Using... more

Breeding objectives for meat sheep in Ireland have been defined and used in the development of selection sub-indices to provide commercial producers with an economic comparison of animals for specific performance trait groups. Using trait-by-trait bio-economic models and a range of methodologies, economic weights (in € per lamb born per genetic standard deviation in the trait) have been calculated for maternal and terminal sire performance traits as follows: production traits; −€1.41 for days to slaughter, €0.35 for carcase conformation class, −€0.52 for carcase fat class, lambing traits; −€0.69 for lambing difficulty for single-bearing ewes, −€0.37 for lambing difficulty for multiple-bearing ewes, €1.15 for lamb survival, maternal traits; €0.83 for number of lambs born, −€1.49 for ewe mature weight, health traits; −€0.09 for lamb foot rot, and −€0.82 for ewe foot rot. Results indicate the significant value of improving the ability of lambs to survive to weaning, without increasing number of lambs born. The highly negative economic weight for both days to slaughter and mature size represents a powerful unfavourable relationship between the two traits. Economic values for lambing difficulty and foot rot represent the significant costs these traits have in the Irish sheep production system. In the early stages of the development of the genetic improvement program for sheep in Ireland the breeding objective defined in this paper provides directed emphasis for trait recording, selection strategies, and mating systems. In addition the economic weights provide indications as to how much genetic improvement in a specific trait would be worth paying for. The proposed formulation of the total economic index as sub-indices provides the ability for commercial farmers to adjust breeding emphasis towards specific market outcomes or address key production aspects in their particular farming system.

Inbreeding depression, the reduction in fitness that accompanies inbreeding, is one of the most important topics of research in evolutionary and conservation genetics. In the recent literature, much attention has been paid to the... more

Inbreeding depression, the reduction in fitness that accompanies inbreeding, is one of the most important topics of research in evolutionary and conservation genetics. In the recent literature, much attention has been paid to the possibility of purging the genetic load. If inbreeding depression is due to deleterious alleles, whose effect on fitness are negative when in a homozygous state, then successive generations of inbreeding may result in a rebound in fitness due to the selective decrease in frequency of deleterious alleles. Here we examine the experimental evidence for purging of the genetic load by collating empirical tests of rebounds in fitness-related traits with inbreeding in animals and plants. We gathered data from 28 studies including five mammal, three insect, one mollusc, and 13 plant species. We tested for purging by examining three measures of fitness-component variation with serial generations of inbreeding: (1) changes in inbreeding depression, (2) changes in fitness components of inbred lines relative to the original outbred line, and (3) purged population (outcrossed inbred lines) trait means as a function of ancestral outbred trait means. Frequent and substantial purging was found using all three measures, but was particularly pronounced when tracking changes in inbreeding depression. Despite this, we found little correspondence between the three measures of purging within individual studies, indicating that the manner in which a researcher chooses to estimate purging will affect interpretation of the results obtained. The discrepancy suggests an alternative hypothesis: rebounds in fitness with inbreeding may have resulted from adaptation to laboratory conditions and not to purging when using outcrossed inbred lines. However, the pronounced reduction in inbreeding depression for a number of studies provides evidence for purging, as the measure is likely less affected by selection for laboratory conditions. Unlike other taxonspecific reviews on this topic, our results provide support for the purging hypothesis, but firm predictions about the situations in which purging is likely or the magnitude of fitness rebound possible when populations are inbred remain difficult. Further research is required to resolve the discrepancy between the results obtained using different experimental approaches.

In agile frogs, Rana dalmatina, an increase in malebiased operational sex ratio and in male abundance results in the emergence of alternative male mating behaviour in the form of searching. As a consequence, females are coerced into... more

In agile frogs, Rana dalmatina, an increase in malebiased operational sex ratio and in male abundance results in the emergence of alternative male mating behaviour in the form of searching. As a consequence, females are coerced into mating with multiple males, which in turn increases the level of conflict between the sexes. Selective predation on males by the European polecat, Mustela putorius, decreases the occurrence of polyandry. In ponds visited by polecats, the sex ratio is less male biased than in ponds where polecats are absent. As a result most males call to attract females and fewer males actively search for females. Females are able to choose between calling males and mate with a single male. Thus, predation by polecats is found to influence sex ratio, male abundance and sexual conflict in a frog mating system, restricting the opportunity for multiple mating.

Leks have recently been defined as male display aggregations that females attend primarily for the purpose of mating. This is an extended version of previous definitions, as a clear-cut definition of leks is difficult to obtain. Four... more

Leks have recently been defined as male display aggregations that females attend primarily for the purpose of mating. This is an extended version of previous definitions, as a clear-cut definition of leks is difficult to obtain. Four criteria should be verified to identify a lekking species: (i) there is no male parental investment beyond the sperm; (ii) males aggregate at specific sites for display; (iii) the only resource females find on the lek is the male, i.e. the male genes; (iv) females can select her mate(s), although the necessity of this latter condition for lekking species has been highly debated. We applied these criteria to the endangered little bustard Tetrax tetrax, a species that is claimed to show an exploded lek mating system, but for which this has never been fully investigated. We monitored a population of little bustards in western France during 2 years to investigate the two central criteria in the assessment of their mating system: male aggregation in arenas and lack of consistent resources in male territories. We analysed the spatial distribution of little bustard male territories, the individual variation in size, and the land use characteristics of male territories, with particular attention to the habitats that may be considered as defensible resources. Displaying males showed an aggregated spatial distribution over the study area during the 2 years of survey. Male territories were rather large (199 16 ha), but a large among-male variability in territory size was observed. Land use within the territories included mainly permanent and semi-permanent crops. The variability in land use among territories suggests also that resources found within male territories were selected according to male needs (food and display) rather than to female needs (permanent crops that are more appropriate for reproduction). The mating system of the little bustard seems to match the general (and extended) definition of leks, at least in some populations. However, limits between resource defence polygyny and extreme exploded or resource-based leks are thin and unclear, and the little bustard is a good example of how lek definitions may be difficult to apply in non clear-cut empirical situations.

Tacca, a genus of tropical herbs, possesses near black flowers, conspicuous involucral bracts and whisker-like filiform bracteoles. These features have been assumed to function as a ''deceit syndrome'' in which reproductive structures... more

Tacca, a genus of tropical herbs, possesses near black flowers, conspicuous involucral bracts and whisker-like filiform bracteoles. These features have been assumed to function as a ''deceit syndrome'' in which reproductive structures resemble decaying organic material attracting flies that facilitate cross-pollination (sapromyiophily). We investigated pollination and mating in Tacca chantrieri populations from SW China to evaluate this assumption. Contrary to this expectation, populations were highly selfing. Pollinator visitation was infrequent and bagged flowers set abundant seed. Pollen loads on stigmas indicated autonomous self-pollination, some of which occurred prior to flower opening. The seed set of inflorescences with bracts and bracteoles removed was not significantly different from unmanipulated inflorescences, suggesting that these structures play a limited role in pollinator attraction, at least at our study sites. Pollen : ovule ratios averaged 49, a value expected in a highly selfing species. Selfing rates estimated in four populations using allozyme markers averaged 0.86 (range 0.76-0.94), thus corroborating this inference. Our results indicate that despite considerable investment in extravagant display, populations of T. chantrieri are highly selfing. We propose several hypotheses to resolve this paradox and argue that future studies of pollination syndromes would benefit by investigation of both pollination and mating biology.

Primate socioecological studies have attempted to derive general frameworks using the average behavioural traits of species or genera to place them into categories. However, with the accumulation of primate studies, it is timely to place... more

Primate socioecological studies have attempted to derive general frameworks using the average behavioural traits of species or genera to place them into categories. However, with the accumulation of primate studies, it is timely to place more emphasis on understanding within-species variation in social structure. In this review we have four objectives. First, we examine within-species variation in the potential determinants of social structure, including diet, demography, predation and infanticide, and document considerable variation. Second, we present case studies of within-species variation in social structure to illustrate the potential magnitude of this variation. For example, there are cases within a single interbreeding population where multi-male, uni-male, fission–fusion and monogamous groups are found. Third, by examining widespread primate lineages that occur in a variety of habitats, we note that there are differences in the magnitude of variation in social structures across different lineages and as a result we consider phylogenetic constraints on phenotypic variation in social structure. Finally, we reflect on the implications of extensive variation in social structure. We suggest that primate social structure will represent a combination of adaptation to present-day environment and phylogenetic inertia. To advance our understanding of the relative contribution of phylogeny versus ecology we propose two approaches. One approach is to compare groups in the same interbreeding population that inhabit different ecological conditions. Any differences that are found can be attributed to ecological differences, since phylogeny should not play a role within a single population. The second approach is to study distantly related species that have similar social structures to illustrate how similar ecological pressures might be operating to select for parallel social structures.

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to assess relatedness and genetic diversity for 15 lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) populations. Seven primers yielding 59 polymorphic bands were used to analyse 13 populations,... more

Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers were used to assess relatedness and genetic diversity for 15 lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) populations. Seven primers yielding 59 polymorphic bands were used to analyse 13 populations, representing ssp. vitis-idaea from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Estonia and Russia, and two populations, representing ssp. minus from Japan and Canada. A cluster analysis and a multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) showed similar phenetic patterns among populations, with a pronounced geographic grouping in most cases. Significant correlations were obtained between geographic and genetic distances for the entire set of populations as well as for the 13 ssp. vitis-idaea populations. Mean within-population diversity was 0.206 when estimated with Lynch and Milligan's index, and 0.431 when estimated with Shannon's index, which is in agreement with the mixed mating system reported for lingonberry. Within-population variability accounted for 68.6% of the total variance when all populations were included, and for 78.8% when only populations of ssp. vitis-idaea were analysed. Two different approaches were applied to the selection of plant material for a potential gene bank: (1) a hierarchical sampling strategy based on a cluster analysis and (2) the Maximum genetic diversity program, developed for the establishment of core collections. Random sampling was undertaken for comparisons with the selected data sets. The most diverse and representative set of lingonberry specimens was obtained when samples were selected with the Maximum diversity program.

Genetic data can provide a powerful tool for those interested in the ecology and management of wildlife, especially when it is combined with behavioral, demographic, or spatial information. Although the full potential of genetic... more

Genetic data can provide a powerful tool for those interested in the ecology and management of wildlife, especially when it is combined with behavioral, demographic, or spatial information. Although the full potential of genetic approaches to the study of wildlife populations has yet to be realized, the application of genetic analyses is becoming increasingly feasible and cost-effective. This is due primarily to recent advances in the number and types of genetic markers available, the development of sophisticated data analysis methods, and increased automation of laboratory instrumentation. These technological advances have broadened the list of questions that can be answered with genetic data, allowing inference at multiple levels of resolution (inter-individual to inter-specific) and temporal and spatial scales. Genetic data can be used to assess mating systems, hybridization, gene flow, effective population size, and population viability. Genetic data can also be used to define management units; identify individuals, sex, and species; and to provide insights into demographic patterns associated with the reduction and expansion of populations. All of these factors are either related to a species' ecology or provide important information for management and conservation. We describe some applications of genetic data, discuss processes affecting genetic variation within and among populations, and provide an overview of genetic terminology and how genetic variation is measured. As genetic methods become progressively more accessible and adaptable to an ever-widening array of questions, it is expected that they will play an increasingly important role in the ecology and management of wildlife.

Feral horse, Equus caballus, breeding groups, called bands, usually include one but sometimes up to five stallions. We found that mares were loyal to single-stallion (SS) or multistallion (MS) bands or were social dispersers (maverick... more

Feral horse, Equus caballus, breeding groups, called bands, usually include one but sometimes up to five stallions. We found that mares were loyal to single-stallion (SS) or multistallion (MS) bands or were social dispersers (maverick mares, Mv). The spacing and social behaviour of mares and stallions in single-and multistallion bands was measured. Indices of mare well-being were also measured including activity budgets (feeding: MS>SS=Mv; resting: MS<SS=Mv), band and mare travel (MS>SS), maternal effort in maintaining contact with foals (MS=Mv>SS), parasite levels in faeces (MS>Mv>SS), body condition (MS=Mv<SS), fecundity (Mv<MS<SS) and offspring mortality (Mv<MS<SS). We present evidence suggesting that the poorer well-being of maverick mares and multistallion band mares results from greater harassment by stallions. Stallion and mare behaviour and poor reproductive success in multistallion bands were not consistent with explanations for the existence of such bands based on cooperation or alternative mating strategies. We suggest an alternative explanation. Stable relationships between mares and a single stallion may enhance reproductive success by reducing aggression between individuals. Therefore, we propose that there is strong selection pressure for stable, long-term stallion-mare relationships, called consort relationships. We propose the consort hypothesis, that multistallion bands are an artefact of selection for stable relationships that occasionally result in more than one such relationship forming, because mares solicit more than one stallion and stallion dominance changes during band formation.

Floral biology in the Cactaceae represents a new field of research, with only 2% of approximately 2,000 species having been studied. Studies on breeding systems cover functional and morphological floral traits of sexual expression, while... more

Floral biology in the Cactaceae represents a new field of research, with only 2% of approximately 2,000 species having been studied. Studies on breeding systems cover functional and morphological floral traits of sexual expression, while research on mating (hybridization) systems includes experiments on pollination, morphological and functional floral traits vis-à-vis estimation of out-crossing rates, and inbreeding depression. Most cacti are hermaphroditic with some exceptions of dioecy. Herkogamy and dichogamy seem to be common, and are coupled with selfincompatibility and inbreeding depression as mechanisms to avoid selfing; these traits are important in guiding the evolution of mating (fertilization) systems from mixed to mainly either out-crossing or selfing in all three subfamilies. We found no clear pattern between mating systems and genetic diversity. The impressive variety of fertilization and breeding systems, as well as the genetic diversity within Cactaceae highlights the complex evolution of this family and the plasticity of their reproductive response to the spatially and temporally unpredictable habitats in which they occur. This chapter reviews information on the floral biology, pollinators and genetics of Cactaceae, covering about 70 references: 36% on genetics, 43% on different aspects of pollination ecology, and 21% on diverse subjects with limited descriptions.

The genus Vanilla belongs to the Orchidaceae family and Vanilla planifolia, probably endemic from tropical forests in Eastern Mexico, is the main source for commercial vanilla. There has recently been an important number of publications... more

The genus Vanilla belongs to the Orchidaceae family and Vanilla planifolia, probably endemic from tropical forests in Eastern Mexico, is the main source for commercial vanilla. There has recently been an important number of publications covering Vanilla taxonomy, particularly using molecular genetics, but the taxonomy of the genus is still unclear and numerous synonyms remain. Recent studies showed that inter-specific hybridization and perhaps even polyploidization played an important role in the evolution of the genus. There has also been an important increase in the knowledge of the genetic diversity and reproductive biology of V. planifolia in natural conditions, showing that mating system diversity exists in Vanilla and that this genus could be a good model to study the role of fragrance in orchid evolution. Recent studies on the genetic consequences of V. planifolia domestication are also presented and raise major scientific questions regarding the origin of phenotypic diversity in a vegetatively propagated crop. Finally, all these studies have demonstrated the urgent need for preservation of the genetic resources of V. planifolia (primary and secondary gene pools, and cultivated resources) and current conservation efforts are presented.

Flowers with highly specialized pollination systems sometimes have the ability to self-pollinate, contradicting our notion that pollination specialization reflects selective pressures to ensure high maternal outcrossing rates. We survey... more

Flowers with highly specialized pollination systems sometimes have the ability to self-pollinate, contradicting our notion that pollination specialization reflects selective pressures to ensure high maternal outcrossing rates. We survey the literature (80 species representing 38 families) for the simultaneous study of pollination and breeding systems. We demonstrate that pollination specialization is often associated with a variety of floral traits that facilitate delayed autonomous selfing at the end of the flower's life span. While the potential autonomous selfing rate can be high, the actual autonomous selfing rate is often much lower, indicating that species in our survey are facultative selfers. Autonomous selfing was more commonly associated with protandry than with protogyny and was found in both herkogamous and nonherkogamous species. We conclude that pollination specialization can evolve independently of the ability to autonomously self-pollinate and that the presence of floral traits that promote pollination specialization and autonomous selfing in the same flower is not paradoxical. Pollination specialization can be reconciled with autonomous self-pollination when selective forces other than high maternal outcrossing rates are considered.

Linking specific ecological factors to the evolution of parental care pattern and mating system is a difficult task of key importance. We provide evidence from comparative analyses that an ecological factor (breeding pool size) is... more

Linking specific ecological factors to the evolution of parental care pattern and mating system is a difficult task of key importance. We provide evidence from comparative analyses that an ecological factor (breeding pool size) is associated with the evolution of parental care across all frogs. We further show that the most intensive form of parental care (trophic egg feeding) evolved in concert with the use of small pools for tadpole deposition and that egg feeding was associated with the evolution of biparental care. Previous research on two Peruvian poison frogs (Ranitomeya imitator and Ranitomeya variabilis) revealed similar life histories, with the exception of breeding pool size. This key ecological difference led to divergence in parental care patterns and mating systems. We present ecological field experiments that demonstrate that biparental care is essential to tadpole survival in small (but not large) pools. Field observations demonstrate social monogamy in R. imitator, the species that uses small pools. Molecular analyses demonstrate genetic monogamy in R. imitator, the first example of genetic monogamy in an amphibian. In total, this evidence constitutes the most complete documentation to date that a single ecological factor drove the evolution of biparental care and genetic and social monogamy in an animal.

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are major microbial components of boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forests, as well as some tropical forest ecosystems. Nearly two decades of studies have clarified many aspects of their population biology,... more

Ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi are major microbial components of boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forests, as well as some tropical forest ecosystems. Nearly two decades of studies have clarified many aspects of their population biology, based on several model species from diverse lineages of fungi where the EM symbiosis evolved, i.e. among Hymenomycetes and, to a lesser extent, among Ascomycetes. In this review, we show how tools for individual recognition have changed, shifting from the use of somatic incompatibility reactions to dominant and non-specific markers (such as random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP)) and, more recently, to co-dominant and specific markers (such as microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)).

Paternal investment has long been considered responsible for the evolution of predominantly monogamous marriage in humans. However, male-male competition resulting in mate-guarding and male coercion could be equally important. In this... more

Paternal investment has long been considered responsible for the evolution of predominantly monogamous marriage in humans. However, male-male competition resulting in mate-guarding and male coercion could be equally important. In this review, I use a comparative approach to examine the effect of variation in human paternal investment on our mating system. I conclude paternal investment is important but so too is mate-guarding. I propose a model of our mating system incorporating both factors. Variation in the mating system is explained by variation in male resource control and contribution, resulting in ecologically imposed monogamy or polygyny, as predicted by the polygyny threshold model, as well as variation in male -male competition for status, resulting in socially imposed monogamy or polygyny.

The clear dominance of two-gender sex in recent species is a notorious puzzle of evolutionary theory. It has at least two layers: besides the most fundamental and challenging question why sex exists at all, the other part of the problem... more

The clear dominance of two-gender sex in recent species is a notorious puzzle of evolutionary theory. It has at least two layers: besides the most fundamental and challenging question why sex exists at all, the other part of the problem is equally perplexing but much less studied. Why do most sexual organisms use a binary mating system? Even if sex confers an evolutionary advantage (through whatever genetic mechanism), why does it manifest that advantage in two, and exactly two, genders (or mating types)? Why not just one, and why not more than two?

We collected all available information (i.e. international and local journals, conference proceedings, theses, technical reports) on the spawning season (n = 511 stocks, 168 species), gonadosomatic index (n = 237 stocks, 81 species) and... more

We collected all available information (i.e. international and local journals, conference proceedings, theses, technical reports) on the spawning season (n = 511 stocks, 168 species), gonadosomatic index (n = 237 stocks, 81 species) and sex ratio (n = 97 stocks, 68 species) of Mediterranean marine fish. The 511 stocks represented 20 orders (most were Perciformes, 283 stocks) and 65 families (most were Sparidae: 17 species and 63 stocks). Overall, 346 stocks (128 species) spawned between April and August, 139 stocks (60 species) between September and March, while the remaining 26 stocks (13 species) were all-year-round spawners. In addition, 174 stocks (34.1%) were characterised by an extended ([4 months) spawning season, but, for most stocks (332 stocks, 64.4%), spawning duration ranged from 2 to 4 months inclusive. Regardless of the onset and the duration of spawning, the spawning period of 284 and 287 stocks included June and July, respectively, indicating that most Mediterranean species are summer spawners. Female gonadosomatic index ranged between 0.06 and 37 (mean ± SE = 8.55 ± 0.647, n = 95) and was significantly higher (t-test: t = 5.58, P \ 0.001) than the corresponding male one, which ranged between 0.06 and 30 (mean ± SE = 4.21 ± 0.431, n = 95). Congeneric species that occupied the same area and share the same requirements exhibited successive and non-overlapping spawning (e.g. Sparidae in the Adriatic Sea, Mugilidae in the Ionian Sea and Tunisian waters). The knowledge of the spawning period coupled with information on spawning and nursery grounds and detailed knowledge of mating systems, social interactions, maturity and fecundity may be very useful for fisheries management.

The causes of variation in rates of extra-pair paternity among avian populations remain unclear, but could include environmental factors such as breeding density and synchrony. By experimentally manipulating nest site availability, we... more

The causes of variation in rates of extra-pair paternity among avian populations remain unclear, but could include environmental factors such as breeding density and synchrony. By experimentally manipulating nest site availability, we tested the effects of breeding density on the frequency of extra-pair paternity in eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis). We also examined the role of breeding synchrony on extra-pair paternity using natural timing of nests. Microsatellite analysis revealed 34 of 305 nestlings (11.2%) were the result of extra-pair fertilizations; and 21 of 79 broods (26.6%) had at least one extra-pair nestling. Several measures of breeding density had independent effects on extra-pair paternity. First, experimental plot type affected extra-pair paternity, with 28 of 34 (82.4%) extra-pair young from nests in high density areas, and only six (17.6%) from nests in low density areas. Independently of plot type, the number of breeding neighbors within a 320-m radius was a significant predictor of the likelihood of extra-pair paternity at the nest. Extrapair paternity was associated with temporal factors such as absolute timing of breeding and natural levels of local breeding synchrony, but only in bivariate comparisons. We found a positive interaction between density of neighbors within a 320-m radius and local breeding synchrony; this term reduced the main effects of synchrony and number of neighbors, but not experimental treatment. Our results demonstrate the importance of utilizing multiple aspects of proximity in breeding density analyses and testing for interactions between ecological factors that can influence the behavioral events leading to extra-pair fertilizations.

Sexual dimorphism in mammals is not entirely satisfactorily explained by the models that are advanced to account for it among birds. This may be because species-specific styles of being dimorphic, and of attaining mature dimorphic state,... more

Sexual dimorphism in mammals is not entirely satisfactorily explained by the models that are advanced to account for it among birds. This may be because species-specific styles of being dimorphic, and of attaining mature dimorphic state, are not clearly recognized. Mature dimorphism is a syndrome involving body size, appearance and weaponry; each facet and the whole syndrome may have functions in both fighting and signalling. The mature dimorphic stage has to be reached by growth and change from juvenile and sub-adult states.The occurrence of the separate facets of the dimorphic syndrome are reviewed in species of Bovidae, Cervidae and Macropodidae, large, diverse families of eutherian (the first two) and metatherian mammals, which have broadly similar ecological adaptations. In each family the smallest species tend to be homomorphic, with small, inconspicuous weapons. Greatest dimorphism in size is found in medium-sized bovids and cervids, and the larger macropodids (in which no species exceeds 100 kg male weight); the range of species showing greatest dimorphism in size also shows the most exaggerated weapons. Mature dimorphism is reached by different patterns of growth, which may be determinate and similar in the sexes (leading to homomorphism), determinate but differing between the sexes, or indeterminate and differing, both of which lead to heteromorphism.The syndromes of dimorphism and patterns of growth are associated and a classification of styles of dimorphism is presented. The adaptiveness of the styles is suggested in terms of what is known of the socio-ecology, in particular the male reproductive strategies, of the species. The various styles of heteromorphy appear to be associated with males' way of achieving polygyny: such as by non-resource-based territoriality, by dominance-determined access to oestrous females, or by wandering and formation of a consortship with pro-oestrous females. The relevance of the species' ecology of use of resources to these styles of dimorphism and mate-acquisition is briefly discussed.

Hypecoum sect. Hypecoum comprises 8 species, one with 2 additional subspecies, in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Five of these are recognized for the first time, viz. Hypecoum procumbens L. subsp, fragrantissimum /~. E. DAnL,... more

Hypecoum sect. Hypecoum comprises 8 species, one with 2 additional subspecies, in the Mediterranean area and the Middle East. Five of these are recognized for the first time, viz. Hypecoum procumbens L. subsp, fragrantissimum /~. E. DAnL, H. procumbens L. subsp, atropunctatum ]~. E. DAHL, H. trullatum ~. E. DAHL, H. angustilobum ~. E. DAHL and H. torulosum ~. E. DAHL. H. dimidiatum DEULE and H. pseudograndiflorum PETR., which have generally been included in H. imberbe SM., are reestablished as distinct species. Morphology and variation patterns are described and discussed with special reference to mating systems. Self-incompatibility is dominating but H. procumbens subsp, procumbens and H. torulosurn are self-compatible. The broad variation ranges of the former taxon in traits presumably related to mating system (petal, anther and stigma sizes as well as pollenovule ratios) indicate varying rates of outcrossing. SEM micrographs are given of petal and stigma surfaces and of pollen grains. Chromosome counts are presented for seven taxa. All are diploid with 2 n = 16. Previous treatments LINNAEUS (1753) recognized three Hypecoum species, viz. H. erectum, H. pendulum, and H. procumbens, of which only the latter belongs to sect. Hypecoum. The treatments by some of the most important post-Linnean authors are summarized

Breeders are encouraged to develop breeding approaches that strive to integrate food production into the healthy functioning of agro-ecosystems. In the case of legumes, this approach should preserve bee fauna by providing suitable floral... more

Breeders are encouraged to develop breeding approaches that strive to integrate food production into the healthy functioning of agro-ecosystems. In the case of legumes, this approach should preserve bee fauna by providing suitable floral resources within the crops themselves. In parallel, legume breeding for sustainable agriculture is linked to the development of environmental services. Foraging places and nesting sites for solitary and social bees are some of the ecological services provided for legumes. Crops with floral attractiveness and rewards for insects can be used to enhance pollinator conservation as well as crop yield and yield stability. We analyze how understanding crop-pollinator relationships (CPR) can contribute to the production of high-yielding and pollinator-friendly varieties by examining: (1) The status of knowledge on mating systems and floral traits; (2) The contribution of CPR understanding to plant breeding for both hybridseed production and open-pollinated population improvement.

Two spermatogenetic cycles, vernal and aestival, have been described in temperate colubrid snakes. In both cycles, mating occurs in the spring, although vernal species produce spermatozoa in spring, just before mating, while aestival... more

Two spermatogenetic cycles, vernal and aestival, have been described in temperate colubrid snakes. In both cycles, mating occurs in the spring, although vernal species produce spermatozoa in spring, just before mating, while aestival species use spermatozoa produced the previous summer. In this study, we describe the reproductive cycles of male and female Malpolon monspessulanus (Colubridae), and compare them to previously published cycles of five other snake species, four vernal and one aestival, inhabiting the same area. We also examine the consequences of both spermatogenesis cycles over the entire reproductive processes of male and female snakes in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Vernal species mate later than do aestival species, as males must produce spermatozoa just prior to mating. However, vernal species are able to condense spermatogenesis and vitellogenesis processes, hence undertaking oviposition at the same time as aestival species. Here we discuss advantages of accomplishing the entire reproductive cycle in one (vernal species) or two (aestival species) calendar years. We also found that mature male M. monspessulanus exhibit decreased testes volume relative to body size. Large testes are expected in scenarios of sperm competition. The mating system of M. monspessulanus (territoriality, mate guarding, male-male combat) does not suggest sperm competition, hence it may be more advantageous for males of this species to invest in body size than in testes size.

At night, bats utter loud echolocation calls at high repetition rates that may reveal the location and current behaviour of callers to eavesdropping bats. Given the strong attenuation of echolocation calls, we predicted that territorial... more

At night, bats utter loud echolocation calls at high repetition rates that may reveal the location and current behaviour of callers to eavesdropping bats. Given the strong attenuation of echolocation calls, we predicted that territorial males of a harem-polygynous species ought to forage at close distance to females to survey their movements by social eavesdropping. We estimated a maximum detection distance of 38 m for echolocation calls of Saccopteryx bilineata (Temminck, 1838) (Chiroptera; Emballonuridae) broadcasted within the forest under the sound transmission conditions of our study site and for an assumed signal detection threshold of 20 dB SPL (50 m for a threshold of 0 dB SPL). We then simultaneously radio-tracked the nocturnal movements of eight male-female pairs that each rested in the same harem territory during the day and measured the distances at which dyads foraged. Male-female pairs foraged at a median distance of 139 m. In the case of 90% of simultaneous bearings, males foraged at distances that prevented eavesdropping on 44 kHz echolocation calls (>38 m; 87% of radio fixes >50 m). Males and females of the same daytime territory roosted, on average, 226 ± 194 m apart from each other at night. Thus, males were most likely unaware of where females foraged as a result of the strong attenuation of female echolocation calls. In general, such acoustic constraints on social eavesdropping may promote extra-harem group paternities, female choice, and sperm competition in bats, and may therefore present an important selective force in the evolution of bat mating systems.

The reproductive success of a male is thought to be a function of the number of females he fertilizes. Nevertheless, various naturally occurring male behaviours seem to reduce dramatically the probability of obtaining additional matings.... more

The reproductive success of a male is thought to be a function of the number of females he fertilizes. Nevertheless, various naturally occurring male behaviours seem to reduce dramatically the probability of obtaining additional matings. Such behaviours are expected when mating opportunities are limited for males and when males compete strongly for females or fertilizations. In widow spiders, males cohabit in females' webs, engage in long courtship displays, often lose the tip of one or both emboli (copulatory organs) inside the female's genital tract during copulation and are occasionally cannibalized by the female. We investigated conditions that may favour the evolution of a high-investment strategy of mating in white widow, Latrodectus pallidus, males. We followed male movements between females in a patchily distributed population of white widows and estimated the minimum number of males with which fieldcaught females mated from the number of embolus tips found in their genital tracts. The encounter rate of males with females was low with less than 20% of the searching males reaching a female. Females, in contrast, frequently mated with more than one male (up to six). We suggest that low encounter rates with females, coupled with high intrasexual competition, drives the evolution of a strategy of high investment by males in a single mating, as was observed in the white widow spider.

Intraspecific variability in mating behaviour and disparities between social and reproductive behaviour add complexity to the description of animal mating systems. A previously published field study on a population of the maternally... more

Intraspecific variability in mating behaviour and disparities between social and reproductive behaviour add complexity to the description of animal mating systems. A previously published field study on a population of the maternally mouthbrooding cichlid fish Ctenochromis horei in the north of Lake Tanganyika suggested mate monopolization by the most dominant male. In the present study, genetic reconstructions of paternity in a population in the south of the lake provided no evidence for male mate monopolization, as none of the inferred sires had offspring in more than one brood. The ability to reconstruct sire genotypes from offspring alleles was confirmed by computer simulations. Multiple paternity occurred in several broods and was significantly more frequent in the sample taken in the rainy season than in the dry season sample (100% of broods vs. 14%, respectively; P = 0.005). The data suggest geographical and temporal variation in the mating behaviour of C. horei despite its continuous year-round reproduction, invariable brood care behaviour and habitat-specific distribution in the relatively constant and confined environment of a tropical lake. Moreover, our data show that inferences on the distribution of male reproductive success, if based on each geographical or temporal data set alone, would fail to describe the potential for sexual selection in this species.

Recent progress in genomic analysis has made genome-wide genetic and molecular scanning a realistic approach for the study of intra-specific mating incompatibility in crucifers. We describe the development of a directed genetic screen in... more

Recent progress in genomic analysis has made genome-wide genetic and molecular scanning a realistic approach for the study of intra-specific mating incompatibility in crucifers. We describe the development of a directed genetic screen in Brassica and the isolation of a panel of induced mutations to self-compatibility which should facilitate the molecular cloning and functional analysis of loci required for self-incompatibility. Transfer of knowledge gained by the analysis in Brassica to other crucifers is accomplished by comparative mapping of the relevant loci in Brassica, Arabidopsis and related species. These approaches hold the promise of elucidating the genetic basis of mating system transitions within the crucifer family.

The aim of this study was to estimate the general combining ability of the parents and specific combining ability of hybrids considered for the development of high yielding and better quality cultivars. Seventeen genotypes and 52 F 1... more

The aim of this study was to estimate the general combining ability of the parents and specific combining ability of hybrids considered for the development of high yielding and better quality cultivars. Seventeen genotypes and 52 F 1 hybrids obtained by crossing 4 lines and 13 testers in line · tester mating system during 2003 were sown in randomized complete block design in 2004. Line · Tester analysis revealed significant GCA and SCA effects for all the traits except fibre elongation. Preponderance of non-additive gene action was obtained for seed cotton yield per plant and majority of its component traits including fibre traits. Among the parents: PIL-8 for days to 50% flowering, CCH-526612 for boll weight, CITH-77 for number of open bolls per plant and CNH-36 for seed cotton yield per plant were detected with higher general combining ability. Parent, CCH-526612 for 2.5% span length, fibre strength and fibre elongation and AKH-9618 for micronaire value, fibre strength and fibre elongation were good combiners for fibre quality traits. The F 1 s achieved high seed cotton yield by producing more number of open bolls. The high yielding hybrids with acceptable fibre quality traits were: CISV-24 · LH-1995, H-1242 · PIL-8 and RS-2283 · SGNR-2 deducted with significant SCA effects for seed cotton yield and fibre characteristics; 2.5% span length and fibre strength. These cross combinations involved at least one parent with high or average GCA effect for a particular trait.

In recent years, genetic studies have been used to investigate mating systems of marine turtles, but to date no such research has been conducted on the flatback turtle (Natator depressus). This study investigates paternity of flatback... more

In recent years, genetic studies have been used to investigate mating systems of marine turtles, but to date no such research has been conducted on the flatback turtle (Natator depressus). This study investigates paternity of flatback turtle clutches at two rookeries in Queensland, Australia; Peak Island (Keppel Bay), and Mon Repos (Bundaberg). In the 2004–2005 nesting season, tissue samples were taken from either single or multiple clutches (n = 16) of nesting females (n = 8) representing a sampling effort ranging from 25% to 50% offspring per nest. Determination of the extent of multiple paternity was done using a comparative approach that included initial inferences based on observed alleles, Chi-square tests for deviations from Mendelian expectations, and three software programs (PARENTAGE1.0, GERUD2.0 and MER3.0). Results varied depending on the approach, but by calculating a consensus value of the output from these different methods, the null hypothesis of single paternity could be rejected in at least 11 of the 16 clutches (69%). Multiple paternity was thus observed in the clutches of six of nine females (67%), with two or three fathers being the most likely outcome. Analyses of successive clutches illustrated that paternal contribution to clutch fertilization can vary through time, as observed for two females. This first evidence regarding the mating system of flatback turtles indicates that multiple paternity is common in this species and that the observed frequency of multiple paternity is among the higher values reported in marine turtle species. Application of these results to estimates of effective population size (N e) suggests that population size may have been relatively stable over long periods. Continued monitoring of population dynamics is recommended to ensure that future changes in the east coast can be detected.

Pleurostoma ootheca (Calosphaeriales) was newly collected, and found to produce a Phialophora-like anamorph in culture, which was morphologically similar to Phialophora (Ph.) repens and Ph. richardsiae. The close relationship among these... more

Pleurostoma ootheca (Calosphaeriales) was newly collected, and found to produce a Phialophora-like anamorph in culture, which was morphologically similar to Phialophora (Ph.) repens and Ph. richardsiae. The close relationship among these three species was confirmed on the basis of sequence analysis of the 5.8S nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and its flanking internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2). Furthermore, molecular data from partial 18S small subunit (SSU) DNA, revealed these three species were not phylogenetically closely related to the type of Phialophora, Ph. verrucosa, which was nested in the Chaetothyriales clade. A new anamorph genus, Pleurostomophora (P.), was therefore proposed to accommodate these species. The formation of perithecia from single-ascospore isolates of Pleurostoma (Pl.) ootheca also showed it to have a homothallic mating system.

In mammals, species with high sexual size dimorphism tend to have highly polygynous mating systems associated with high variance in male lifetime reproductive success (LRS), leading to a high opportunity for sexual selection. However,... more

In mammals, species with high sexual size dimorphism tend to have highly polygynous mating systems associated with high variance in male lifetime reproductive success (LRS), leading to a high opportunity for sexual selection. However, little information is available for species with weak sexual size dimorphism. In a long-term study population, we used parentage analysis based on 21 microsatellite markers to describe, for the first time, variance in male lifetime breeding success (LBS) of roe deer, a territorial ungulate where males weigh less than 10% more than females. LBS ranged from 0 to 14 (mean ¼ 4.54, variance ¼ 15.5), and its distribution was highly skewed, with only a few males obtaining high LBS and many males failing to breed or siring only one fawn. As predicted for polygynous species with low sexual size dimorphism, the standardized variance in male LBS was low (I m ¼ 0.75) and was only slightly higher than the standardized variance in female LRS (I f ¼ 0.53), suggesting a low opportunity for sexual selection. The I m value reported here for roe deer is much lower than values reported for highly dimorphic ungulates such as red deer (I m . 3). We suggest that, along a continuum of opportunity for sexual selection, roe deer occupy a position closer to monogamous and monomorphic territorial ungulates than to highly polygynous, sexually dimorphic ungulates with dominance rank-based mating systems such as harems or roving mating systems.

Monitoring of the critically endangered western gray whale population on its primary feeding ground off Sakhalin Island, Russia, has led to the collection of genetic samples from 83% of animals photographically identified from this area.... more

Monitoring of the critically endangered western gray whale population on its primary feeding ground off Sakhalin Island, Russia, has led to the collection of genetic samples from 83% of animals photographically identified from this area. The high ...

The development of molecular markers has allowed behavioral ecologists to link parents to specific offspring, providing insights into breeding systems that were not apparent from direct observations of the social system. Studies of this... more

The development of molecular markers has allowed behavioral ecologists to link parents to specific offspring, providing insights into breeding systems that were not apparent from direct observations of the social system. Studies of this type in fishes have focused on species with male parental care such as centrarchids, and on salmonids, a family with little parental care. In order to gain further insight into the mating system of steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, a winter-spawning species whose reproductive system is poorly known, adults returning to spawn were captured in four consecutive years in a small, unfished, wild population. Juvenile offspring were sampled by electrofishing and parentage was determined by exclusion based on a 12 locus microsatellite genotype. Both males and females mated with multiple individuals, though single pair matings were also inferred. Females and males tended to have the same number of mates (median = 1), but males were more likely to have no apparent partner (43% vs. 23% for females) and the maximum number of mates were obtained by males (range 0-10 vs. 0-5 for females). There was no difference in median arrival date by sex, but 80% of the females mated with males that had already arrived rather than males arriving with or after the females (median = 7.5, range = 1-63 days difference). Contrary to expectations, there was no evidence of size-assortative mating; larger males and larger females did not tend to mate with each other more often than would have occurred by chance. Of the juveniles with only one identified parent, most had a known mother and an unknown father rather than the reverse (88% vs. 11%). We interpret this as indirect evidence that non-anadromous males achieved a significant number of fertilizations. Thus the steelhead mating system was complex, being more strongly structured by arrival date than fish size, and including a significant genetic contribution by mature male parr.

Space usage by animals may be influenced by a range of factors. In this study we investigate whether foraging behaviour affects the home range size of lizards. Two distinct tactics of foraging have been recognized in predators:... more

Space usage by animals may be influenced by a range of factors. In this study we investigate whether foraging behaviour affects the home range size of lizards. Two distinct tactics of foraging have been recognized in predators: sitand-wait foraging (SW) and active foraging (AF). Foraging activity level of a data set of lizard species, mainly compiled from literature, is compared with their home range sizes. Two opposite predictions can be made about foraging in connection with home range area: on the one hand, SW species may exhibit larger home ranges due to their mating system; on the other hand, AF species have higher metabolic energy and thus food requirements and can be expected to have larger home ranges that have to yield this food. This study shows that percentage of the time moving (as an index of foraging mode) correlates positively with home range, even after correcting for body mass, and these patterns remain when phylogenetic relationships are taken into account. We thus conclude that home range areas parallel activity levels in lizards. r

The aim of this research was to study the mating system of a natural population of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) from Nova Ipixuna, Pará state, using microsatellite markers. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were analyzed in eight... more

The aim of this research was to study the mating system of a natural population of Theobroma grandiflorum (cupuassu) from Nova Ipixuna, Pará state, using microsatellite markers. Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were analyzed in eight families, each represented by 10 six-month old seedlings derived from open-pollinated pods. The estimation for the multilocus outcrossing rate ( $ t m = 1.0) and individual outcrossing rate ( $ t = 1.0) for this population suggests that T. grandiflorum may be a perfect outbreeding (allogamous) species. Likewise, for the studied population the estimate for single locus outcrossing rate ( $ t s ) was elevated (0.946), but lower than $ t m , confirming the likely outcrossing character of the species and suggesting the occurrence of 5.4% biparental inbreeding rate ( $ t m -$ t s ). The estimation of genetic divergence ( $ F ST ) between allelic frequencies in ovules and pollen revealed a deviation from random mating in 75% of the evaluated loci. Likewise, the estimate of correlation of paternity ( $ r p = 0.930) and the mean coefficient of co-ancestrality within families ( $ θ xy = 0.501) indicated that the outcrossings were predominantly correlated, and the offspring were full-sibs. These results suggested that for this particular population of T. grandiflorum, the sampling strategy for genetic conservation and breeding should adopt specific models for families derived from correlated outcrossing (full-sibs) and not the ones usually adopted in classic outcrossing species breeding programs (half-sibs).