Allometry, adaptation, and the growth and development of sexually dimorphic birds

摘要: Reports from previous studies on the growth and development of sexually dimorphic birds suggest that individuals smaller sex often grow relatively faster than those larger sex. Using data for 31 species birds, we examine three hypotheses may account differential patterns exhibited between males females. First, rapid be advantageous when competing access to food. Second, slower in might distribute energetic demands over a longer period thereby decreasing probability starvation food is scarce. Third, both -sexes at maximum rates determined by their eventual body size. We found no evidence females differ predicted basis an allometric relationship size (i.e., Hypothesis 3). The relationships asymptotic (a) rate (b) time taken reach half mass are similar sexes, regardless which or degree dimorphism. conclude it unnecessary invoke adaptive explanations based competitive differences different observed species.