Condition-related mate choice in sticklebacks

Theo C. M. Bakker (), Reto Künzler and Dominique Mazzi
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Theo C. M. Bakker: Zoologisches Institut, University of Bern
Reto Künzler: Zoologisches Institut, University of Bern
Dominique Mazzi: Zoologisches Institut, University of Bern

Nature, 1999, vol. 401, issue 6750, 234-234

Abstract: Abstract Exactly how the high genetic variance of traits involved in sexual selection through female mate choice is maintained is a much debated issue1,2,3. Theoretical models attempt to explain the high genetic variance of sexual traits, among others, by the evolution of condition dependence1,4, in which expression of the trait depends on physical condition. If it is costly to be choosy, then these models should also apply to female mate preference and predict that female condition affects the choice of mate. Here we allow female laboratory-bred three-spined sticklebacks, Gasterosteus aculeatus, to choose between computer animations of courting males5, and find that the choice of mate correlates well with female physical condition.

Date: 1999
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DOI: 10.1038/45727

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