Evidence that pairing with genetically similar mates is maladaptive in a monogamous bird.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence of multiple genetic criteria of mate choice is accumulating in numerous taxa. In many species, females have been shown to pair with genetically dissimilar mates or with extra-pair partners that are more genetically compatible than their social mates, thereby increasing their offsprings' heterozygosity which often correlates with offspring fitness. While most studies have focused on genetically promiscuous species, few studies have addressed genetically monogamous species, in which mate choice tends to be mutual.

Results

Here, we used microsatellite markers to assess individual global heterozygosity and genetic similarity of pairs in a socially and genetically monogamous seabird, the black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla. We found that pairs were more ge

SUBMITTER: Mulard H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2709659 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature