Effect of Breeding Experience on Egg Investment in Zebra Finches
Advisor Information
Rosemary Strasser
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2016 10:45 AM
End Date
4-3-2016 12:15 PM
Abstract
Female control over egg investment is a well-studied phenomenon in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Previous research has demonstrated that females are able to alter both egg size and yolk androgen content in response to physical cues from their pair-mates (i.e., mate attractiveness). Prior to this experiment it was unclear how reproductive experience may influence egg investment. In this experiment ten newly formed pairs were allowed to breed two clutches of eggs. Average egg mass and egg volume were calculated for each of the pairs’ two clutches of eggs. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine if average egg mass and volume changed between the first clutch (no prior breeding experience) and the second clutch (prior breeding experience). Average egg mass and egg volume were significantly higher for the second clutch compared to the first (mass: F1,9=7.643, p=0.022; volume: F1,9=11.716, p=0.008). Importantly, this demonstrates that female zebra finches are capable of altering investment in response to previous experience in addition to physical cues from their mates.
Effect of Breeding Experience on Egg Investment in Zebra Finches
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Female control over egg investment is a well-studied phenomenon in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Previous research has demonstrated that females are able to alter both egg size and yolk androgen content in response to physical cues from their pair-mates (i.e., mate attractiveness). Prior to this experiment it was unclear how reproductive experience may influence egg investment. In this experiment ten newly formed pairs were allowed to breed two clutches of eggs. Average egg mass and egg volume were calculated for each of the pairs’ two clutches of eggs. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine if average egg mass and volume changed between the first clutch (no prior breeding experience) and the second clutch (prior breeding experience). Average egg mass and egg volume were significantly higher for the second clutch compared to the first (mass: F1,9=7.643, p=0.022; volume: F1,9=11.716, p=0.008). Importantly, this demonstrates that female zebra finches are capable of altering investment in response to previous experience in addition to physical cues from their mates.