Sarah Pryke's Publications List

Sex chromosome linkage of mate preferences and color signal maintains assortative mating between interbreeding finch morphs

2010-11-22T22:42:18Z

Assortative mating is a key aspect in the speciation process because it is important for both initial divergence and maintenance of distinct species. However, it remains a challenge to explain how assortative mating evolves when diverging populations are undergoing gene flow (e g., during hybridization) Here I experimentally test how assortative mating is maintained with frequent gene flow between...

S R Pryke (2010) EVOLUTION 64: 5 1301-1310

Nest-site utilisation and niche overlap in two sympatric, cavity-nesting finches

2010-11-22T22:28:47Z

Determining the relative access of a species to critical limiting resources requires knowledge of the spectrum of their resource utilisation ( niche space) and that of potential competitors, and the frequency distribution of resources in the environment. We used this theoretical framework to assess the relative access to nesting sites and the potential for interspecific competition between two sym...

J Brazill-Boast, S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2010) EMU 110: 2 170-177

Pronounced within-individual plasticity in sperm morphometry across social environments

2010-11-22T22:40:47Z

Sperm morphometry (i.e., size and shape) and function are important determinants of male reproductive success and are thought to be under stabilizing selection. However, recent studies suggest that sperm morphometry can be a phenotypically plastic trait, which can be adjusted to varying conditions. We tested whether different behavioral strategies in aggression between aggressive red and nonaggres...

S Immler, S R Pryke, T R Birkhead, S C Griffith (2010) EVOLUTION 64: 6 1634-1643

Females use multiple mating and genetically loaded sperm competition to target compatible genes

2010-11-22T22:37:38Z

Individuals in socially monogamous species may participate in copulations outside of the pair bond, resulting in extra-pair offspring. Although males benefit from such extra-pair behavior if they produce more offspring, the adaptive function of infidelity to females remains elusive. Here we show that female participation in extra-pair copulations, combined with a genetically loaded process of sper...

S R Pryke, L A Rollins, S C Griffith (2010) SCIENCE 329: 5994 964-967

Low level of extrapair parentage in wild zebra finches

2010-11-22T22:34:44Z

The captive zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata, has become one of the key vertebrate model systems for studying a range of behavioural, physiological and neurological phenomena. In particular, this species has played a key role in developing our understanding of sexual selection and sperm competition. In contrast with the large number of studies using domesticated zebra finches, relatively few studi...

S C Griffith, C E Holleley, M M Mariette, S R Pryke, N Svedin (2010) ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 79: 2 261-264

Maternal adjustment of parental effort in relation to mate compatibility affects offspring development

2010-11-22T22:34:32Z

Theory predicts that parents should adjust reproductive investment in a current breeding attempt by considering the relative fitness benefits of current and future reproductive attempts. Empirical tests, however, have proved problematic because of the difficulties in isolating variables that yield clear and predictable fitness returns to individuals and because partner compensation in socially mon...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2010) BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY 21: 2 226-232

Socially mediated trade-offs between aggression and parental effort in competing color morphs

2010-11-22T22:35:44Z

Individuals often face trade-offs between investment in parental care and alternative investments of time, energy, and resources into other life-history components, such as dominance, attractiveness, and health. Selection is thought to promote the optimal balance between the costs and the benefits of these conflicting activities by favoring individuals that adopt different tactics to maximize thei...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2009) AMERICAN NATURALIST 174: 4 455-464

The historical frequency of head-colour morphs in the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)

2010-11-22T22:28:47Z

The endangered Gouldian Finch (Erythura gouldiae) possesses a genetic colour polymorphism in the form of three genetically determined head-colours (yellow, black and red) that coexist in the same population. The spatial and temporal pattern of morph ratios within this species provides insight into the selective pressures acting on and maintaining the different forms. To investigate spatial and tem...

A J Gilby, S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2009) EMU 109: 3 222-229

Is red an innate or learned signal of aggression and intimidation?

2010-11-22T22:35:59Z

Red coloration has been associated with dominance and aggression in a number of animals. However, it is unclear whether the increased aggression of red individuals or the avoidance of red opponents is an intrinsic or learnt response. By experimentally controlling for genetic and environmental effects, I tested for innate competitive differences and red-enhanced contest success in sexually immature...

S R Pryke (2009) ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 78: 2 393-398

Genetic incompatibility drives sex allocation and maternal investment in a polymorphic finch

2010-11-22T22:37:08Z

Genetic compatibility may drive individual mate choice decisions because of predictable fitness effects associated with breeding with incompatible partners. In Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae), females paired with genetically incompatible males of alternative color morphs overproduce sons, presumably to reduce investment in inviable daughters. We also observed a reduced overall investment in ...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2009) SCIENCE 323: 5921 1605-1607

Postzygotic genetic incompatibility between sympatric color morphs

2010-11-22T22:40:32Z

Alternative genetically determined color morphs within a population or species are believed to successfully interbreed within a population. However, the occurrence of prezygotic or ecological selection in a number of polymorphic systems may lead to nonrandom mating and prevent genetic morphs from fully interbreeding. Here we show that postzygotic incompatibility significantly limits gene flow betw...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2009) EVOLUTION 63: 3 793-798

Use of nest-boxes by the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) : implications for reproductive success and research

2010-11-22T22:29:09Z

Nest-boxes have been used widely and for many decades in Europe and North America to increase avian reproductive success in species management and conservation programs and to increase the amenability and efficiency with which a species can be studied. Here we describe the establishment of a breeding population of Zebra Finches using nest-boxes in semi-arid, far-western New South Wales, over three...

S C Griffith, S R Pryke, M Mariette (2008) EMU 108: 4 311-319

Female preferences for long tails constrained by species recognition in short-tailed red bishops

2010-11-22T22:35:01Z

Sexual selection and species recognition both play important roles in mate choice. Typically, females use the relative expression of male sexual traits to select high-quality or attractive mates (sexual selection) of the same species (species recognition). However, when the variation in male trait expression of both conspecifics and heterospecifics overlaps, females potentially face a conflict bet...

S R Pryke, S Andersson (2008) BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY 19: 6 1116-1121

The relative role of male vs. female mate choice in maintaining assortative pairing among discrete colour morphs

2010-11-22T22:36:25Z

Mate choice has important evolutionary consequences because it influences assortative mating and the level of genetic variation maintained within populations. In species with genetically determined polymorphisms, nonrandom mate choice may affect the evolutionary stability and maintenance (or loss) of alternative phenotypes. We examined the mating pattern in the colour polymorphic Gouldian finch (E...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2007) JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 20: 4 1512-1521

Fiery red heads : female dominance among head color morphs in the Gouldian finch

2010-11-22T22:36:37Z

Although the evolution of genetic color polymorphisms has received much theoretical interest, few empirical studies have investigated the adaptive function of alternative color morphs. Furthermore, most studies have focused almost exclusively on the evolution and adaptive expression of male coloration, leaving the role of conspicuous female coloration largely unknown. Using the color polymorphic G...

S R Pryke (2007) BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY 18: 3 621-627

Frequency-dependent physiological trade-offs between competing colour morphs

2010-11-22T22:36:12Z

Evolutionary theory suggests that alternative colour morphs (i. e. genetically controlled phenotypes) may derive similar fitness under frequency-dependent selection. Here we experimentally demonstrate opposing effects of frequency-dependent social environments on plasma hormone levels ( testosterone and corticosterone) and immune function between red-and black-headed male morphs of the Gouldian fi...

S R Pryke, L B Astheimer, W A Buttemer, S C Griffith (2007) BIOLOGY LETTERS 3: 5 494-497

Red dominates black : agonistic signalling among head morphs in the colour polymorphic Gouldian finch

2010-11-22T22:37:59Z

Recent sexual selection studies on the evolution of bird colouration have mainly focused on signals with a high level of condition-dependent variation, with much less attention given to colour traits whose expression is genetically controlled. Here, we experimentally tested the relative importance of a genetic colour polymorphism in determining male dominance in the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gould...

S R Pryke, S C Griffith (2006) PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 273: 1589 949-957

Experimental evidence for female choice and energetic costs of male tail elongation in red-collared widowbirds

2010-11-22T22:38:10Z

The black nuptial plumage of the highly polygynous male red-collared widowbird (Euplectes ardens) comprises a red carotenoid-based collar patch and a long graduated tail (c. 22 em). Tail length was the strongest predictor of male mating success in a previous selection analysis, motivating this experimental test of the relative importance of tail plumes in male contest competition and female choice...

S R Pryke, S Andersson (2005) BIOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY 86: 1 35-43

Female nest dispersion and breeding biology of polygynous Red-collared Widowbirds (Euplectes ardens)

2010-11-22T22:38:23Z

We explored characteristics and patterns of nest distribution, and their putative costs and benefits to breeding females, in polygynous Red-collared Widowbirds (Euplectes ardens). Red-collared Widowbirds differ from most other Euplectes species, in that male nest-building is reduced to simple nest-rings used in courtship; females alone position and build nests in the territories. Females used only...

S R Pryke, M J Lawes (2004) AUK 121: 4 1226-1237

Carotenoid-based status signalling in red-shouldered widowbirds (Euplectes axillaris) : epaulet size and redness affect captive and territorial competition

2010-11-22T22:25:30Z

In breeding plumage, the African male red-shouldered widowbirds (Euplectes axillaris) are black except for red carotenoid-based epaulets ('shoulder patches'), similar to the well-studied American red-winged blackbirds (Agelailis phoeniceus). To experimentally test the signal function of the red epaulets in male red-shouldered widowbirds, we manipulated epaulet colour and size (within natural varia...

S R Pryke, S Andersson (2003) BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY 53: 6 393-401

Quality of remnant indigenous grassland linkages for adult butterflies (Lepidoptera) in an afforested African landscape

2010-11-22T22:38:53Z

Retention of interconnected, remnant grassland linkages is proposed here to reduce the adverse effects of alien pine afforestation in Afromontane grasslands. Adult butterflies were sampled at 38 grassland sites, representing increasing levels of disturbance both within the afforested area and outside it. Butterfly species richness and abundance in the lesser disturbed grassland remnants within the...

S R Pryke, M J Samways (2003) BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 12: 10 1985-2004

Carotenoid-based epaulettes reveal male competitive ability : experiments with resident and floater red-shouldered widowbirds

2010-11-22T22:38:36Z

Many birds display carotenoid-based ornaments, which are typically considered to be honest indicators of individual health and condition. Experimental work on male red-shouldered widowbirds, Euplectes axillaris, has demonstrated a function of the carotenoid-based epaulettes in male contests and territory acquisition. Using two experiments, we investigated whether the natural variation in this colo...

S R Pryke, S Andersson (2003) ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 66: 217-224

Multiple receivers, multiple ornaments, and a trade-off between agonistic and epigamic signaling in a widowbird

2010-11-22T22:39:06Z

Sexual displays often involve several different ornamental traits. Yet most indicator models of sexual selection based on a single receiver (usually a choosy female) find that multiple handicap signals should be unstable. Here we study reasons for this contradiction, analyzing signal function, signal content, and trade-offs between signals in the polygynous red-collared widowbird Euplectes ardens....

S Andersson, S R Pryke, J Ornborg, M J Lawes, M Andersson (2002) AMERICAN NATURALIST 160: 5 683-691

Carotenoid status signaling in captive and wild red-collared widowbirds : independent effects of badge size and color

2010-11-22T22:39:37Z

Carotenoid-based plumage ornaments are typically considered to be sexually selected traits, functioning as honest condition-dependent signals of phenotypic quality, but few studies have addressed the function of carotenoid color variation in male contest competition. Using two experiments, we investigated the status signaling function of the variable (ranging from yellow to red) carotenoid throat ...

S R Pryke, S Andersson, M J Lawes, S E Piper (2002) BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY 13: 5 622-631

A generalized female bias for long tails in a short-tailed widowbird

2010-11-22T22:39:18Z

Tail elongation in the polygynous widowbirds (Euplectes spp.) has evoked both adaptive and non-adaptive explanations. Female choice has been shown in the three longest tailed species (20-50 cm), whereas an agonistic function was proposed for a medium-tailed (10 cm) widowbird. To test the generality and directionality of sexual selection on tail length in widowbirds, we experimentally investigated ...

S R Pryke, S Andersson (2002) PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LONDON SERIES B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 269: 1505 2141-2146

Width of grassland linkages for the conservation of butterflies in South African afforested areas

2010-11-22T22:40:11Z

Flight behaviours of 23 butterfly species were mapped to establish the effect of both pine afforestation and different-sized grassland linkages on localised butterfly movements. Blocks of pine trees caused most butterflies to change direction and move away from the pine edge. Only four species crossed the grassland/pine edge, and of these, only two flew farther than 20 m into the pine forest. The ...

S R Pryke, M J Samways (2001) BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 101: 1 85-96

Agonistic carotenoid signalling in male red-collared widowbirds : aggression related to the colour signal of both the territory owner and model intruder

2010-11-22T22:39:48Z

Carotenoid colour displays are widely assumed to be honest indicators of individual health or quality, primarily in mate attraction. Here we show that sexually dimorphic carotenoid ornamentation functions as an agonistic signal in male red-collared widowbirds, Euplectes ardens. Mounted mate models differing (within natural limits) in the intensity of carotenoid signalling were presented to wild re...

S R Pryke, M J Lawes, S Andersson (2001) ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR 62: 695-704

Sexual selection of multiple handicaps in the red-collared widowbird : Female choice of tail length but not carotenoid display

2010-11-22T22:40:00Z

Although sexual selection through female choice explains exaggerated male ornaments in many species, the evolution of the multicomponent nature of most sexual displays remains poorly understood. Theoretical models suggest that handicap signaling should converge on a single most informative quality indicator, whereas additional signals are more likely to be arbitrary Fisherian traits, amplifiers, o...

S R Pryke, S Andersson, M J Lawes (2001) EVOLUTION 55: 7 1452-1463