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The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio

Author

Listed:
  • András Liker

    (University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
    University of Pannonia)

  • Robert P. Freckleton

    (University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK)

  • Tamás Székely

    (Biodiversity Laboratory, University of Bath
    University of Bielefeld
    Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Kellnerweg 6, Göttingen D-37077, Germany)

Abstract

Sex-role reversal represents a formidable challenge for evolutionary biologists, since it is not clear which ecological, life-history or social factors facilitated conventional sex roles (female care and male-male competition for mates) to be reversed (male care and female-female competition). Classic theories suggested ecological or life-history predictors of role reversal, but most studies failed to support these hypotheses. Recent theory however predicts that sex-role reversal should be driven by male-biased adult sex ratio (ASR). Here we test this prediction for the first time using phylogenetic comparative analyses. Consistent with theory, both mating system and parental care are strongly related to ASR in shorebirds: conventional sex roles are exhibited by species with female-biased ASR, whereas sex-role reversal is associated with male-biased ASR. These results suggest that social environment has a strong influence on breeding systems and therefore revealing the causes of ASR variation in wild populations is essential for understanding sex role evolution.

Suggested Citation

  • András Liker & Robert P. Freckleton & Tamás Székely, 2013. "The evolution of sex roles in birds is related to adult sex ratio," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-6, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms2600
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2600
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    Cited by:

    1. Toe Aung & Alexander K. Hill & Dana Pfefferle & Edward McLester & James Fuller & Jenna M. Lawrence & Ivan Garcia-Nisa & Rachel L. Kendal & Megan Petersdorf & James P. Higham & Gérard Galat & Adriano R, 2023. "Group size and mating system predict sex differences in vocal fundamental frequency in anthropoid primates," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Rômulo Carleial & Tommaso Pizzari & David S. Richardson & Grant C. McDonald, 2023. "Disentangling the causes of temporal variation in the opportunity for sexual selection," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.

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