Proximate mechanisms of variation in the carotenoid‐based plumage coloration of nestling great tits (Parus major L.)

Many vertebrates use carotenoid‐based signals in social or sexual interactions. Honest signalling via carotenoids implies some limitation of carotenoid‐based colour expression among phenotypes in the wild, and at least five limiting proximate mechanisms have been hypothesized. Limitation may arise b...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of evolutionary biology 2003-01, Vol.16 (1), p.91-100
Main Authors: Tschirren, B., Fitze, P. S., Richner, H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis of Variance
Animal Communication
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Animals
Body Weights and Measures
brood size manipulation
carotenoids
Carotenoids - physiology
condition‐dependence
cross‐fostering
ectoparasites
Feathers - physiology
honest signalling
origin‐related traits
Parus major
plumage coloration
Selection, Genetic
Songbirds - genetics
Songbirds - parasitology
Songbirds - physiology
Switzerland
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Summary:Many vertebrates use carotenoid‐based signals in social or sexual interactions. Honest signalling via carotenoids implies some limitation of carotenoid‐based colour expression among phenotypes in the wild, and at least five limiting proximate mechanisms have been hypothesized. Limitation may arise by carotenoid‐availability, genetic constraints, body condition, parasites, or detrimental effects of carotenoids. An understanding of the relative importance of the five mechanisms is relevant in the context of natural and sexual selection acting on signal evolution. In an experimental field study with carotenoid supplementation, simultaneous cross‐fostering, manipulation of brood size and ectoparasite load, we investigated the relative importance of these mechanisms for the variation in carotenoid‐based coloration of nestling great tits (Parus major). Carotenoid‐based plumage coloration was significantly related to genetic origin of nestlings, and was enhanced both in carotenoid‐supplemented nestlings, and nestlings raised in reduced broods. We found a tendency for ectoparasite‐induced limitation of colour expression and no evidence for detrimental effects of carotenoids on growth pattern, mortality and recruitment of nestlings to the local breeding population. Thus, three of the five proposed mechanisms can generate individual variation in the expression of carotenoid‐based plumage coloration in the wild and thus could maintain honesty in a trait potentially used for signalling of individual quality.
ISSN:1010-061X
1420-9101
DOI:10.1046/j.1420-9101.2003.00483.x