Social and extra-pair mating in relation to major histocompatibility complex variation in common yellowthroats.

ABSTRACT: Females are thought to gain better-quality genes for their offspring by mating with particular males. Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a critical role in adaptive immunity, and several studies have examined female mate choice in relation to MHC variation. In common yellowthroats, females prefer males that have larger black facial masks, an ornament associated with MHC variation, immune function and condition. Here we also tested whether mating patterns are directly correlated with MHC diversity or similarity. Using pyrosequencing, we found that the presence of extra-pair young in the brood was not related to male MHC diversity or similarity between the female and her within-pair mate. Furthermore, extra-pair sires did not differ in overall diversity from males they

SUBMITTER: Bollmer JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3497094 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature