The Red Queen Visits Sage Grouse Leks

摘要: Coevolution between parasites and host is a sufficient although not necessary condition for the evolution of secondary sexual characteristics. I review evidence supporting role in maintenance lek behavior Sage Grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ). Males bearing avianmalaria Plasmodium pediocetii ) or lice Lagopoecus gibsoni Goniodes centrocerci have significantly lower reproductive success than noninfected males. Malaria-infected males attend leks less frequently attendance highly correlated with male success. Inaddition, malaria secured copulations later breeding season hens that wereyounger, poorer condition, successful mates malaria-free Lice create hematomas on air sacs which females can detect to avoid lousy Results our field studies are reinforced by experiments; captive given antibiotics reduce parasite loads chosen more often arena trials. Our results lend empirical support Hamilton Zuk's (1982) interpretation RedQueen's hypothesis, many unknowns remain understanding interaction Grouse.