Condition dependence and fitness consequences of sexual traits in zebra finches [Elektronische Ressource] / vorgelegt von Elisabeth Bolund

CONDITION DEPENDENCE AND FITNESS CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL TRAITS IN ZEBRA FINCHES DISSERTATION Fakultät für Biologie Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München durchgeführt am Max-Planck-Institut für Ornithologie Seewiesen vorgelegt von Elisabeth Bolund März 2009 2 Erstgutachten: Prof. Dr. Bart Kempenaers Zweitgutachten: Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik Eingereicht am: 31.03.2009 Tag der mündlichen Prüfung: 3 Contents Summary ……………………………………………………………………………….. 5 General introduction …………………………………………………………………... 7 Chapter 1 Effects of developmental stress on adult morphology, ornaments, behaviour and fitness in the zebra finch……………….. 17 Chapter 2 Intrasexual competition in zebra finches, the role of beak colour and body size ………………………………………………….. 33 Chapter3 Differential selection on genetic versus environmental component of beak colour, song rate and body size in male zebra finches…………………………………………………….. 51 Chapter 4 Honest signalling turned upside down: high song rate may reflect low male quality ……………………………………………… 67 Chapter 5 Compensatory investment in zebra finches: Females lay larger eggs when paired to sexually unattractive males …………... 83 General discussion …………………………………………………………………... 101 References …………………………………………………………………………....