No species barrier by call in an avian hybrid zone between California and Gambel's quail (Callipepla californica and C. gambelii)

摘要: Acoustic signals sometimes act as premating isolating barriers between animal species, but we know little about the circumstances that dictate presence and strength of these barriers. Among insects, to backcrossing are strengthened by acoustic under genetic control. Hybrid tend be intermediate parental signals, recognized only like-types, which results in reinforced species boundaries. This is not typically case avian taxa. Instead, signal transmission controlled some combination genes learning, perhaps a consequence this variation, vocalizations play diversity roles hybrid zones. I used California Gambel's quail (Callipepla californica C. gambelii), hybridizing birds do learn vocalize, explore whether genetically determined function barrier. Using spectral analysis, measured temporal features calls uniquely colour-banded were recorded across one area zone. Species discrimination known occur captive conditions, though its basis unexplored. Here show differences likely great enough permit discrimination. call components those covaried with traits, assessed seven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci. Contrary expectation, males frequently called response unlike- like-type females who had initiated antiphonal calling, courtship female male. Furthermore, paired did share assembly calls, nor was there correlation female's or plumage traits her mate's advertisement call. Based on results, conclude recognize each other hybrids potential mates occurs frequently. Thus, compatible mating could contribute increased mixing gene pools slow rate speciation. suggest selection respond wide variation within imprinting mixed-species coveys may cause compatibility classes hybridization. © 2005 The Linnean Society London, Biological Journal Society, 2005, 86, 253–264.