Mutual ornamentation, sexual selection, and social dominance in the black swan |
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Authors: | Kraaijeveld Ken; Gregurke John; Hall Carol; Komdeur Jan; Mulder Raoul A |
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Institution: | a Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia, b Ballarat Field Naturalists, PO Box 328W, Ballarat West 3350, Australia, and c Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Studies, University of Groningen, PO Box 14, 9750 AA Haren, The Netherlands |
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Abstract: | We investigated the adaptive significance of a sexually monomorphicornament in the black swan Cygnus atratus. Both sexes grow curledfeathers on their wings (range 722 curled feathers perwing), which are displayed prominently in a range of socialinteractions. The number of curled feathers increased untilthe birds reached sexual maturity (at 2 years of age) but didnot vary with age thereafter. We found evidence for both sexualand social functions of the ornament. Paired, mature individualsof both sexes had higher numbers of curled feathers than unpaired,mature birds, and individuals paired assortatively with respectto curled feather number, suggesting the feathers may be involvedin mutual sexual selection. More ornamented individuals weredominant in agonistic interactions with birds of the same sexand pairing status. Highly ornamented pairs were also more likelyto maintain extended tenancy of preferred cygnet feeding areas,which resulted in improved offspring survival. The curled feathersthus appear to function as a signal of social dominance, whichis highly correlated with reproductive success and is thereforea reliable signal of parental quality in mate choice. |
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Keywords: | black swans Cygnus atratus dominance mutual sexual selection ornamentation signaling social selection |
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