Polygyny is linked to accelerated birdsong evolution but not to larger song repertoires.

ABSTRACT: Non-monogamous mating behaviors including polygyny or extra-pair paternity are theorized to amplify sexual selection, since some males attract multiple mates or copulate with paired females. In several well-studied songbird species, females prefer more complex songs and larger repertoires; thus, non-monogamous mating behaviors are predicted to accelerate song evolution, particularly toward increased complexity. However, studies within songbird clades have yielded mixed results, and the effect of non-monogamy on song evolution remains unclear. Here, we construct a large-scale database synthesizing mating system, extra-pair paternity, and song information and perform comparative analyses alongside songbird genetic phylogenies. Our results suggest that polygyny drives faster evolution of syll

SUBMITTER: Snyder KT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6385279 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature