Female‐ and male‐specific signals of quality in the barn owl

摘要: Most bird studies of female signalling have been confined to species in which females display a male-ornament vestigial form. However, great deal benefit may be gained from considering phenotypic traits that are specific females. This is because (1) sex-specific signal qualities and (2) develop not they selected do so, but fathers transmit daughters the underlying genes for its expression (genetic correlation between sexes). We investigated these two propositions barn owl Tyto alba, male plumage lighter colour less marked with black spots than Firstly, we present published evidence spottiness reflects parasite resistance ability. also show coloration correlated reproductive success, feeding rate heart mass. Secondly, cross-fostering experiments demonstrate genetically sexes. implies if given trait value one sex, other sex will indirectly evolve towards similar value. prediction supported by observation resembled males, comparisons at level alba populations, subspecies species. Our results therefore support hypothesis gene can expressed as consequence genetic