Publication
Title
Manipulative signals in family conflict? On the function of maternal yolk hormones in birds
Author
Abstract
Maternal hormones in the yolk of birdsf eggs have been a focus of attention in behavioral and evolutionary ecology stimulated by the pioneering work of Hubert Schwabl. Since then, knowledge of both the factors that influence maternal deposition patterns and their consequences for offspring development has accumulated rapidly. To date, the field has been dominated by the idea that mothers use yolk hormones to adaptively adjust offspring development, a view that assigns control over hormone deposition and its effects on the offspring to the mother. This neglects the possibility that the evolutionary interests of the mother and offspring differ. When there is such parent]offspring conflict, the offspring are selected to respond to the hormones in a way that is adaptive for themselves rather than for the mother. Moreover, sexual conflict between the parents over parental investment may shape the evolution of yolk hormone deposition: females may manipulate the malefs contribution to parental care through the effect of yolk hormones on offspring begging, competitiveness, and developmental rate. We therefore suggest that for a full understanding of the evolution of hormone]mediated maternal effects, it is essential to study both fitness consequences and physiological mechanisms and constraints from the perspective of all family members.
Language
English
Source (journal)
American naturalist. - Chicago, Ill., 1867, currens
Publication
Chicago, Ill. : 2007
ISSN
0003-0147
DOI
10.1086/511962
Volume/pages
169 :4 (2007) , p. E84-E96
ISI
000245028000001
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 18.01.2010
Last edited 25.05.2022
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