Authors: Rowe, Melissah; Pruett-Jones, Stephen

Source: Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews, Volume 17, Number 1, February 2006 , pp. 21-37(17)

Publisher: Science Reviews 2000 Ltd

Abstract:

In birds, the outcome of sperm competition is determined by the relative timing and order of matings, sperm numbers, and the differential fertilizing capacity of male ejaculates. The intensity of sperm competition varies across species according to mating system, specifically the copulation behavior of females. The Australian Maluridae (fairy-wrens, grasswrens, and emu-wrens) exhibit a diversity of reproductive behaviors and adaptations thought to be associated with sperm competition. Australian malurids live in sedentary social groups and reside on temporally stable territories. The species are socially monogamous, with males and females forming multi-year pair bonds, and exhibit facultative cooperative breeding. In contrast to the relative conservatism of social systems, the malurid genera vary widely in reproductive behaviors. Fairy-wrens (Malurus) exhibit some of the highest known rates of reproductive promiscuity for socially monogamous species, and males possess many anatomical and behavioral adaptations associated with sperm competition including relatively large testes and sperm stores. In contrast, male grasswrens (Amytornis) and emu-wrens (Stipiturus) show relatively small testes and sperm stores. These differences are likely a consequence of relatively lower rates of reproductive promiscuity in the grasswrens and emu-wrens. Fairy-wrens and the other malurids illustrate the complex interactions between social and reproductive behaviors and the intensity of sperm competition and sexual selection in birds.

Keywords: Maluridae; fairy-wren; Malurus; sperm competition; extra-pair paternity; promiscuity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3184/147020606783437949

Affiliations: 1: Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 East 57th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA

Publication date: 2006-02-01

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