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The operational sex ratio and density influence spatial relationships between breeding pipefish

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  • T. Aronsen
  • K.B. Mobley
  • A. Berglund
  • J. Sundin
  • A.M. Billing
  • G. Rosenqvist

Abstract

The operational sex ratio (ratio of sexually receptive males to females) has been extensively studied in behavioral ecology, whereas other demographic factors such as the effect of density on mating behavior have received less empirical attention. We manipulated mating competition by establishing breeding populations of the sex-role reversed broad-nosed pipefish (Syngnathus typhle) at 2 sex ratios (male biased or female biased) and 2 densities. We used mean crowding (m*) and the index of association (X) to measure spatial distributions within and between the sexes, respectively, and investigated how these measures reflect the predicted strength of mating competition. In general, female m* increased as fewer males were available for mating, which suggests increased intrasexual competition in the most competitive sex. However, male m* also increased as the operational sex ratio became more female biased, suggesting that m* did not reflect mating competition for males. Association between the sexes (X) was higher under male bias than female bias, probably because males were still available for mating under male bias. In addition, X decreased in the female-biased treatment as the operational sex ratio became even more female biased. Higher density increased m* in both sex ratios and sexes, although for both sexes in the female-biased high-density treatment the operational sex ratio did not influence m*, probably because female–female competition inhibits further crowding in this treatment. In this study, we show that the use of m* and X can be a useful tool in behavioral studies but their interpretation requires detailed information about the mating system. Therefore, we recommend caution with their broadscale application.

Suggested Citation

  • T. Aronsen & K.B. Mobley & A. Berglund & J. Sundin & A.M. Billing & G. Rosenqvist, 2013. "The operational sex ratio and density influence spatial relationships between breeding pipefish," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 24(4), pages 888-897.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:beheco:v:24:y:2013:i:4:p:888-897.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/beheco/art019
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heike Pröhl, 2002. "Population differences in female resource abundance, adult sex ratio, and male mating success in Dendrobates pumilio," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 13(2), pages 175-181, March.
    2. Anders Berglund & Maria Sandvik Widemo & Gunilla Rosenqvist, 2005. "Sex-role reversal revisited: choosy females and ornamented, competitive males in a pipefish," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 16(3), pages 649-655, May.
    3. Anders Berglund & Gunilla Rosenqvist, 2009. "An intimidating ornament in a female pipefish," Behavioral Ecology, International Society for Behavioral Ecology, vol. 20(1), pages 54-59.
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