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Sex differences in avian yolk hormone levels

Author

Listed:
  • Marion Petrie

    (Evolution and Behaviour Research Group, University of Newcastle upon Tyne)

  • Hubert Schwabl

    (Center of Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University)

  • Nanna Brande-Lavridsen

    (Center of Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University)

  • Terry Burke

    (University of Sheffield)

Abstract

It has been suggested that female birds put more resources into eggs fathered by attractive males by laying larger eggs1 or by adding more testosterone2, but this inference could be undermined if eggs of different sex are provisioned differently, as these studies did not control for sex differences. Here we compare hormone concentrations in the yolks of male and female eggs and find that these are significantly different. Our results indicate that it is premature to conclude that female birds invest more in eggs sired by a preferred male, and raise the possibility that yolk sex steroids may be part of the sex-determining process in birds.

Suggested Citation

  • Marion Petrie & Hubert Schwabl & Nanna Brande-Lavridsen & Terry Burke, 2001. "Sex differences in avian yolk hormone levels," Nature, Nature, vol. 412(6846), pages 498-498, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:412:y:2001:i:6846:d:10.1038_35087652
    DOI: 10.1038/35087652
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    Cited by:

    1. Jesús M Avilés, 2018. "Can hosts tolerate avian brood parasites? An appraisal of mechanisms," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 29(3), pages 509-519.

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