Sex differences in testosterone and hematocrit levels reflect mating system differences of two Arctic-breeding shorebird species.

ABSTRACT: Sex steroids, such as testosterone, are critical for the development of secondary sexual characteristics and shape traits beneficial for competition over mates and resources. Testosterone profiles may thus differ depending on variation in female and male mating strategies. Sex and mating system differences may also be found in hematocrit profiles, given elevated hematocrit levels during energetically demanding life stages such as migration or during sexual competition. Thus, males of polygynous species should maintain higher testosterone and hematocrit throughout the breeding season compared to monogamous or polyandrous males. Less is known about how mating systems affect testosterone and hematocrit in females: a recent study found higher testosterone in females of classically polyandrous

SUBMITTER: Krietsch J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12683243 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature