Evolution von kunstvollem mehrkomponenten Balzverhalten

Theoretical framework Most courtship displays are multimodal, i.e. include signals that pertain to different sensory channels. Each component signal could carry information about specific qualities of the signaller. Accordingly, different components of courtship may be subject to independent, fluctuating or opposing selective forces that separately drive the evolution of elaborate displays. In a hybrid zone in Central America, plumage traits of Manacus vitellinus (Pipridae) have asymmetrically introgressed into populations that are genetically like M. candei, probably driven by sexual selection. The hybrid zone has been stable for decades raising the question of why M. vitellinus plumage traits have not further introgressed in M. candei. The latter may possess traits that are positively selected for and counter the expansion of M. vitellinus plumage, e.g. hybrids have reduced muscular function compared to the parent species and show intermediate features of the courtship display. Hypothesis and objectives We hypothesize that traits of Manacus courtship have been subject to selection in separate directions. Separate selection for colour, neuromuscular skills, and display choreography have produced different combinations of traits across Manacus species. Have courtship traits evolved along the phylogenetic tree of manakins? If behavioural courtship traits undergo sexual selection and are involved in speciation processes, they should reflect the evolutionary history of Manacus spp. Is the variability of morphological traits associated with the variability of courtship behavioural traits? Variability of behavioural traits and plumage traits should be partially independent, i.e. courtship performance and choreography should vary across the distribution area and show clines different from those of plumage. Approach We will conduct high-speed, 3D video recordings of courtship displays of male manakins and analyse them using AI-based methods. From these same males, we will collect morphometric measurements, spectrometric measurements of plumage, and will measure muscle power and contraction speed. We will measure the genetic distance within and between populations and will map out how courtship displays and the physiological specializations underlying display acrobatics vary between and within species. Level of originality and innovation Our project is original as it studies the involvement of display choreographies and neuromuscular performance in reproductive isolation and speciation. It considers multiple aspects of courtship and proposes they may undergo separate and possibly opposing selection. The project uses novel, cutting-edge methods to record behaviour in the field in 3D and to analyse it. Primary researchers involved Leonida Fusani, Univ. Veterinary Medicine, Vienna; Michael Braun, Smithsonian Inst., USA; Claudio Ciofi, Univ. of Florence, Italy; Matthew Fuxjager, Brown Univ., USA; James Pease, Ohio State Univ., USA

FWF Einzelprojekte PROFI

The Ohio State University
Funktion: Partner
Brown University
Funktion: Partner
Università degli Studi di Firenze
Funktion: Partner
Smithsonian
Funktion: Partner

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