Egg Investment Strategy is Impacted by Paternal Care in Zebra Finches
Advisor Information
Rosemary Strasser
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
2-3-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
2-3-2018 10:15 AM
Abstract
Previous work with zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttat) has demonstrated that females alter egg investment based on the physical attractiveness of their mate. However, it remains unclear if females alter reproductive investment in response to variation in paternal care. Newly formed pairs of zebra finches were assigned to either a biparental rearing condition (the pair raised four chicks) or a uniparental condition where the female raised two chicks without the help of her mate. Egg weight was recorded for a pairs first clutch (laid prior to rearing any chicks) and second clutch (laid after parenting in either the uniparental or biparental condition). Egg size asymmetry was altered after parenting in the uniparental condition, such that the first egg of a clutch was larger than the last egg. This represents a reversal from the typical investment pattern where egg size increases within a clutch.
Egg Investment Strategy is Impacted by Paternal Care in Zebra Finches
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Previous work with zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttat) has demonstrated that females alter egg investment based on the physical attractiveness of their mate. However, it remains unclear if females alter reproductive investment in response to variation in paternal care. Newly formed pairs of zebra finches were assigned to either a biparental rearing condition (the pair raised four chicks) or a uniparental condition where the female raised two chicks without the help of her mate. Egg weight was recorded for a pairs first clutch (laid prior to rearing any chicks) and second clutch (laid after parenting in either the uniparental or biparental condition). Egg size asymmetry was altered after parenting in the uniparental condition, such that the first egg of a clutch was larger than the last egg. This represents a reversal from the typical investment pattern where egg size increases within a clutch.