Meeting Abstract

56.5  Saturday, Jan. 5  Does developmental stress modulate reproductive tactics in the zebra finch? CRINO, O.L.*; DRISCOLL, S.C.; PRATHER , C.T.; BREUNER, C.W.; University of Montana; University of Montana; University of Montana; University of Montana ondicrino@gmail.com

The long-term effects of developmental stress on phenotype and performance are well-known. In comparison, the effects of developmental stress on fitness remain largely unexplored. Developmental stress in known to decrease the quality of sexually selected traits (e.g. bird song) and, therefore, is assumed to decrease reproductive success. However, animals exposed to developmental stress may compensate for poor quality sexually selected traits by pursuing alternative reproductive tactics such as increased parental investment. Here, we explored the fitness consequences of developmental stress in male zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Specifically, we investigated whether adult males exposed to stress during development sire fewer nestlings through extra-pair copulations, but invest more in parental behavior and, thus, rear nestlings in greater condition. These data will allow us to empirically evaluate how developmental stress affects reproductive success and draw inferences about the role of developmental stress in shaping alternative reproductive tactics.