Amplitude of bison bellows reflects male quality, physical condition and motivation

摘要: Sound amplitude (measured as sound pressure level) is an acoustical parameter that has received little attention within communication research, especially in mammals. Although difficult to measure the field, a potentially important of sexually selected signals. In North American plains bison, Bison ‘bellows’ are low, guttural vocalizations made by bulls during breeding season context male–male contests. It been hypothesized bison use bellow assess males competition or female mate choice. this study, we tested hypothesis significantly related measures bull competitive ability (quality, condition and motivation), thus, could function signal. During peak rut over 2 years, courtship threat behaviours were recorded daily. observation sessions, was measured levels using level meter. Subsequent genetic parentage analysis determined offspring sired males. Based on aspects signalling game theory, predicted positive associations between mating reproductive success, dominance, physical condition, motivation retain females, age weight. Our results supported association both motivation. Conversely, showed negative quality, success. Supporting evidence alternative hypotheses for these explored. findings provide support notion be used signal rival competition.