Proximate perspectives on the evolution of female aggression: good for the gander, good for the goose?

摘要: Female-female aggression often functions in competition over reproductive or social benefits, but the proximate mechanisms of this apparently adaptive behaviour are not well understood. The sex steroid hormone testosterone (T) and its metabolites well-established mediators male-male aggression, several lines evidence suggest that T-mediated may apply to females as well. However, a key question is whether female primarily reflect correlated evolutionary responses selection acting on males, direct has made modifications these light life history. Here, I examine degree which mediated at level T production, target tissue sensitivity T, downstream genomic order test hypothesis favours facilitate while minimizing costs systemically elevated T. draw heavily from avian systems, including dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis), other organisms have been studied an evolutionary/ecological perspective both sexes. Findings reveal sexes share many behavioural hormonal mechanisms, though patterns also sex-specific adaptation. argue greater attention multiple levels analysis-from receptor gene network, analyses individual variation represents raw material change-will be fruitful path for understanding regulation intersexual coevolution.