The relative importance of spatial proximity, kin selection and potential ‘greenbeard’ signals on provisioning behaviour among helpers in a cooperative bird

摘要: Many hypotheses have been proposed to account for cooperative behaviour, with those favouring kin selection receiving the greatest support date. However, importance of relatedness becomes less clear in complex societies where interactions can involve both and non-kin. To help clarify this, we examined relative effect indirect versus key direct benefit shaping decisions. We assessed likely reciprocal aid (as measured by spatial proximity between participants), (using molecular-based indices) putative signals (vocal similarity) on helper/helper provisioning dynamics bell miners (Manorina melanophrys), a species living large, societies. Using network analysis, quantified extent shared (helping at same nests) among individual helpers (excluding breeding pairs) over three seasons 4290 visits, compared these location individuals within colony networks built using either genetic molecular or call similarity indices. Significant levels clustering were observed networks; cluster more closely related each other than members, membership was stable across years. The probability miner helping another’s nest not simply product thus potential aid. Networks constructed data significantly correlated 5 10 comparisons, 8 comparisons similarity. This suggests an important role kinship society, apparently determined via acoustic ‘greenbeard’ signal this system.