Spatiotemporal and genetic contingency of extrapair behaviour in a songbird

摘要: Multiple mating to obtain genetic benefits has been championed as the most likely cause of evolution polygamy. However, this assumption put into question by an increasing number recent studies, which highlight importance considering ecological constraints comprehend variation in extrapair (EP) behaviour. Here, we studied patterns paternity (EPP) great tit, Parus major, using data from 11 nestbox plots that differed population size and breeding conditions. Specifically, analysed EPP rates relation socioecological variables could influence way individuals encountered one another space time, tested whether adults engaged with more heterozygous, compatible or phenotypically superior than their social mates offspring (EPO) were genetically within-pair offspring. Our results do not provide support for benefit hypothesis either male female perspective. EPO heavier paternal half-siblings, but there was no significant difference between maternal half-siblings terms phenotypic quality. Regarding factors, found a negative relationship synchrony both within among plots, suggests males face trade-off mate guarding obtaining elsewhere. show after fertile period despite having travel long distances: about half detected cases involved different woodlands. This study indicates when where engage seem be relevant factors whom it highlights spatiotemporal at landscape scale achieve better understanding EP