A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Extra-pair paternity explains cooperation in a bird species
Authors: Krams Indrikis A, Mennerat Adèle, Krama Tatjana, Krams Ronalds, Jõers Priit, Elferts Didzis, Luoto Severi, Rantala Markus J, Eliassen Sigrunn
Publisher: NATL ACAD SCIENCES
Publication year: 2022
Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Journal name in source: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Journal acronym: P NATL ACAD SCI USA
Article number: e2112004119
Volume: 119
Number of pages: 5
ISSN: 0027-8424
eISSN: 1091-6490
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2112004119
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2112004119
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/175010487
In many social animals, females mate with multiple males, but the adaptive value of female extra-pair mating is not fully understood. Here, we tested whether male pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) engaging in extra-pair copulations with neighboring females were more likely to assist their neighbors in antipredator defense. We found that extra-pair sires joined predator-mobbing more often, approached predators more closely, and attacked predators more aggressively than males without extra-pair offspring in the neighboring nest. Extra-pair mating may incentivize males to assist in nest defense because of the benefits that this cooperative behavior has on their total offspring production. For females, this mating strategy may help recruit more males to join in antipredator defense, offering better protection and ultimately improving reproductive success. Our results suggest a simple mechanism by which extra-pair mating can improve reproductive success in breeding birds. In summary, males siring extra-pair offspring in neighboring nests assist neighbors in antipredator defense more often than males without extra-pair offspring.
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