Effects of neighbor familiarity on reproductive success in the great tit (Parus major)

摘要: Social interactions can often affect the fitness of individuals. Territorial animals frequently interact with their neighbors, and long-term familiarity might lead to development cooperative relationships, which influence neighboring Here we test hypothesis that neighbors positively affects reproductive success in great tit (Parus major). We used data from a 41 year study quantify neighbor its relationship different stages cycle. Breeding birds had 0 11 whom they were familiar by sharing territory boundary before; although owing low annual survival, mean proportion (0.1) was quite small. Despite average found evidence suggesting positive effects increased familiarity: females more individuals neighborhood laid larger clutches. also both males greater chance successfully fledging offspring. These results suggest benefit territorial breeding birds. Future work is needed address underlying mechanisms how influences individual fitness.