'Most attractive' male birds don't have best genes

Date:

March 23, 2015

Source:

University College London

Summary:

'Attractive' male birds that mate with many females aren't passing on the best genes to their offspring, according to new research that found promiscuity in male birds leads to small, genetic faults in the species' genome. Although minor, these genetic flaws may limit how well future generations can adapt to changing environments.

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Early female bonds boost male birds' mating success

Male zebra finches that fail to socialise with females during adolescence are less successful at courtship later in life, a study says.

This effect mimics the "loser effect" where, after a defeat, an animal is more likely to lose a subsequent fight.

Social friendships at a young age were also found to be more important than physical and social attractiveness.

The findings are reported in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

The loser effect has been well demonstrated in many species, from spiders and fish to birds. After a fight hormonal levels change which negatively affects performance in further fights.

“He may just court less attractive females. He's not a loser for life,” said Dr Mylene MarietteUniversity de Saint-Etienne, France

Now scientists have found a similar effect for mating. Adolescent males who failed to pair with a juvenile female were later unsuccessful with females they encountered in adulthood.

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