Behavioural polymorphism in wintering white-throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis

摘要: Behavioural polymorphisms associated with morphs a known genetic basis are interesting to study since they provide model system investigate the molecular of complex behaviours. White-throated sparrows one such rare models, presenting two morphologies and behavioural types, tan white, caused by chromosomal rearrangement. The differences have been mainly studied during reproduction, defining morph-specific breeding strategies different levels aggression between morphs. Outside season, morphological less apparent, more difficult distinguish polymorphism is poorly understood. In this study, we caught wild individuals winter, determined their morph analysis, analysed in behaviour when encountering novel object under standardized conditions captivity. White aggressive reproduction; therefore, expected them be affected presence than morphs; animal personality research shows that objects (i.e. neophilic). Contrary our expectations, white were neophobic morphs, within males females. Furthermore, both suffered greater weight loss captivity compared females, respectively, suggesting response captivity-induced stress differs sexes. Finding not related reproduction implies broader impact effects rearrangement on species.