Lekking in birds: choice, competition and reproductive constraints

Abstract

This paper discusses the importance of female choice and intrasexual competition in lek species. The importance of phenotypic differences between individuals is stressed. Reproductive constraints limit the possible behavioural strategies that can be used by males and females. I suggest that it is difficult to understand reproductive behaviour without a knowledge of these reproductive constraints.

Mating in the Closest Living Relatives of Animals Is Induced by a Bacterial Chondroitinase

“…Although swarming has not previously been reported in choanoflagellates and the biological significance of swarming in S. rosetta was not immediately obvious, swarming is associated with mating in diverse motile eukaryotes, including amoebae, ciliates, crustaceans, insects, fish, birds, and bats (Avery, 1984; Buskey, 1998; Downes, 1969; Giese, 1959; O'Day, 1979; Veith et al, 2004; Watson et al, 2003). Therefore, we hypothesized that swarming in S. rosetta might indicate mating.…”

“…By increasing local population density, swarming has previously been found to facilitate mating in diverse amoebae, flagellates, crustaceans, cnidarians, polychaetes, insects, fish, and birds (Avery, 1984; Buskey, 1998; Downes, 1969; Giese, 1959; Hamner and Dawson, 2009; Omori and Hamner, 1982; Sorensen and Wisenden, 2015; Watson et al, 2003). As in other organisms that swarm, the connection of swarming to mating may be critical, since their aquatic, pelagic lifestyle can make it challenging to find mates.…”

An aphrodisiac produced byVibrio fischeristimulates mating in the closest living relatives of animals

“…The first hint that V. fischeri might induce mating came from the observation of S. rosetta swarms following exposure to the bacterium. By increasing local population density, swarming has previously been found to facilitate mating in diverse amoebae, flagellates, crustaceans, cnidarians, polychaetes, insects, fish, and birds (Avery, 1984; Buskey, 1998; Downes, 1969; Giese, 1959; Hamner and Dawson, 2009; Omori and Hamner, 1982; Sorensen and Wisenden, 2015; Watson et al, 2003). As in other organisms that swarm, the connection of swarming to mating may be critical, since their aquatic, pelagic lifestyle can make it challenging to find mates.…”

Male copulation frequency and female competition for fertilizations in a promiscuous brood parasite, the Pin‐tailed Whydah Vidua macroura

“…Sperm depletion has been documented in invertebrates, mammals, amphibians, and fish (Dewsbury 1982(Dewsbury ,1983 data). However, there are abundant data on sperm depletion following frequent ejaculation in poultry, as well as correlations of sperm count and fertility (Avery 1984).…”