Abstract
We have investigated genetic parentage in a Swiss population of tawny owls (Strix aluco). To this end, we performed genetic analysis for six polymorphic loci of 49 avian microsatellite loci tested for cross-species amplification. We found one extra-pair young out of 137 (0.7%) nestlings in 37 families (2.7%). There was no intra-specific brood parasitism. Our results are in accordance with previous findings for other raptors and owls that genetic monogamy is the rule. Female tawny owls cannot raise offspring without a substantial contribution by their mates. Hence one favoured hypothesis is that high paternal investment in reproduction selects for behaviour that prevents cuckoldry.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 113-116 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Ornithology |
| Volume | 148 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Early online date | Dec 2006 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Jan 2007 |
Keywords
- microsatellite
- tawny owl
- Strix aluco
- extra-pair paternity
- breeding synchrony
- mating system
- microsatellite markers
- birds
- care
- fertilizations
- populations
- decisions
- monogamy
Cite this
Analysis of genetic parentage in the tawny owl (Strix aluco) reveals extra-pair paternity is low. / Saladin, Verena; Ritschard, Mathias; Roulin, Alexandre; Bize, Pierre; Richner, Heinz.
In: Journal of Ornithology, Vol. 148, No. 1, 01.2007, p. 113-116.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Analysis of genetic parentage in the tawny owl (Strix aluco) reveals extra-pair paternity is low
AU - Saladin, Verena
AU - Ritschard, Mathias
AU - Roulin, Alexandre
AU - Bize, Pierre
AU - Richner, Heinz
PY - 2007/1
Y1 - 2007/1
N2 - We have investigated genetic parentage in a Swiss population of tawny owls (Strix aluco). To this end, we performed genetic analysis for six polymorphic loci of 49 avian microsatellite loci tested for cross-species amplification. We found one extra-pair young out of 137 (0.7%) nestlings in 37 families (2.7%). There was no intra-specific brood parasitism. Our results are in accordance with previous findings for other raptors and owls that genetic monogamy is the rule. Female tawny owls cannot raise offspring without a substantial contribution by their mates. Hence one favoured hypothesis is that high paternal investment in reproduction selects for behaviour that prevents cuckoldry.
AB - We have investigated genetic parentage in a Swiss population of tawny owls (Strix aluco). To this end, we performed genetic analysis for six polymorphic loci of 49 avian microsatellite loci tested for cross-species amplification. We found one extra-pair young out of 137 (0.7%) nestlings in 37 families (2.7%). There was no intra-specific brood parasitism. Our results are in accordance with previous findings for other raptors and owls that genetic monogamy is the rule. Female tawny owls cannot raise offspring without a substantial contribution by their mates. Hence one favoured hypothesis is that high paternal investment in reproduction selects for behaviour that prevents cuckoldry.
KW - microsatellite
KW - tawny owl
KW - Strix aluco
KW - extra-pair paternity
KW - breeding synchrony
KW - mating system
KW - microsatellite markers
KW - birds
KW - care
KW - fertilizations
KW - populations
KW - decisions
KW - monogamy
U2 - 10.1007/s10336-006-0109-x
DO - 10.1007/s10336-006-0109-x
M3 - Article
VL - 148
SP - 113
EP - 116
JO - Journal of Ornithology
JF - Journal of Ornithology
SN - 0021-8375
IS - 1
ER -