Topic
Extra-pair copulation
About: Extra-pair copulation is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 375 publications have been published within this topic receiving 26905 citations.
Papers published on a yearly basis
Papers
TL;DR: The remaining challenges of understanding the relative roles of genes and ecology in determining variation between taxa in the rate of extra paternity are highlighted, and testing for differences between extra‐pair offspring and those sired within‐pair is highlighted.
Abstract: 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 EPP in birds, we review two topical areas: (i) ecological explanations for interspecific variation in the rate of EPP; and (ii) evidence bearing on the adaptive function of EPP. We highlight the remaining challenges of understanding the relative roles of genes and ecology in determining variation between taxa in the rate of extra paternity, and testing for differences between extra-pair offspring and those sired within-pair.
1,486 citations
Book•
9 Jan 1992
TL;DR: Birds as vehicles for sperm competition avian mating systems and sperm competition male and female reproductive systems and the fertile period sperm precedence and mechanisms of sperm competition copulation behaviour - pair copulation, extra-pair copulation paternity guards.
Abstract: Birds as vehicles for sperm competition avian mating systems and sperm competition male and female reproductive systems and the fertile period sperm precedence and mechanisms of sperm competition copulation behaviour - pair copulation, extra-pair copulation paternity guards - mate guarding, frequent copulation, territoriality and other guards costs and benefits of extra-pair copulation for males costs and benefits of extra-pair copulation for females extra-pair paternity evolutionary consequences of sperm copulation in birds.
1,243 citations
TL;DR: Factors such as breeding density, genetic variation in the population and the intensity of sexual conflicts determine the costs and benefits to males and females of engaging in extra-pair copulations, and therefore contribute to the variation among populations.
Abstract: Molecular techniques used to assign paternity have revealed previously unknown incidences of extra-pair paternity in socially monogamous bird species. DNA fingerprinting has now been used sufficiently often for mating-system biologists to appreciate the natural variation in the frequency of broods showing extra-pair young. The variation between species and between populations of the same species is surprisingly marked. Explaining this variation may help us to understand the factors promoting sexual selection. Recent comparative studies and detailed behavioural studies suggest that factors such as breeding density, genetic variation in the population and the intensity of sexual conflicts determine the costs and benefits to males and females of engaging in extra-pair copulations, and therefore contribute to the variation among populations.
631 citations
TL;DR: It is shown that males of monogamous bird species sometimes copulate with females from other pairs and these extra-pair copulations can result in offspring and increase male reproductive success.
Abstract: Ornithologists have known for a long time that males of monogamous bird species sometimes copulate with females from other pairs, but it is only in the last few years that researchers have shown that these extra-pair copulations can result in offspring and increase male reproductive success. Males time their extra-pair copulations to coincide with the period when females are fertilizable, and they show a range of remarkable behaviours to help them secure these matings, since in most cases females attempt to avoid them. At the same time, males of most species employ one of two strategies (mate guarding or frequent copulation) to avoid being cuckolded themselves.
572 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1 |