Haste makes waste but condition matters: Molt rate-feather quality trade-off in a sedentary songbird

摘要: Background The trade-off between current and residual reproductive values is central to life history theory, although the possible mechanisms underlying this are largely unknown. The ‘molt constraint’ hypothesis suggests that molt plumage functionality compromised by preceding breeding event, yet candidate mechanism remains insufficiently explored. Methodology/Principal Findings seasonal change in photoperiod was manipulated accelerate rate. This treatment simulates case of naturally late-breeding birds. House sparrows Passer domesticus experiencing accelerated developed shorter flight feathers with more fault bars body supposedly lower insulation capacity (i.e. shorter, smaller, a higher barbule density fewer plumulaceous barbs). However, wing, tail primary feather lengths were fast-molting birds if they had an inferior condition, which has been overlooked previous studies. rachis width not affected treatment, but it still condition-dependent. Conclusions/Significance This study shows sedentary might face evolutionary costs because rate–feather quality conflict. first experimentally demonstrate (1) rate affects several aspects as well (2) costly effects rapid condition-specific. We conclude its association be major mediator trade-offs. Our findings also suggest novel advantage early breeding, i.e. facilitation slower condition-dependent regulation growth.