Preference for male traits differ in two female morphs of the tree lizard, Urosaurus ornatus.

ABSTRACT: Non-random female mating preferences may contribute to the maintenance of phenotypic variation in color polymorphic species. However, the effect of female preference depends on the types of male traits used as signals by receptive females. If preference signals derive from discrete male traits (i.e., morph-specific), female preferences may rapidly fix to a morph. However, female preference signals may also include condition-dependent male traits. In this scenario, female preference may differ depending on the social context (i.e., male morph availability). Male tree lizards (Urosaurus ornatus) exhibit a dewlap color polymorphism that covaries with mating behavior. Blue morph males are aggressive and defend territories, yellow males are less aggressive and defend smaller territories, and or

SUBMITTER: Lattanzio MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4102484 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature