Article
Extra pair paternity in birds: a review of interspecific variation and adaptive function.
Molecular ecology - 1 Nov 2002
Griffith Simon C, Owens Ian P F, Thuman Katherine A
Abstract excerpt
The application of molecular genetic techniques has revolutionized our view of avian mating systems. Contrary to prior expectations, birds are only very rarely sexually monogamous, with 'extra-pair offspring' found in approximately 90% of species. Even among socially monogamous species, over 11% of offspring are, on average, the result of extra-pair paternity (EPP). Based on over 150 molecular genetic studies of...
Topics
- Adaptation, Physiological
- Animals
- Birds
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Genetics, Population
- Male
- Mortality
- Paternity
- Phylogeny
- Sexual Behavior, Animal
- Species Specificity