Meeting Abstract
2-6 Friday, Jan. 4 09:15 – 09:30 The Corruption of Honest Signals: from Mate Choice in Red Birds to Human Pregnancy MCCOY, D. E.*; SHULTZ, A. J.; VIDOUDEZ, C.; VAN DER HEIDE, E.; TRAUGER, S. A.; HAIG, D.; Harvard University, Cambridge dakotamccoy@g.harvard.edu
Mate choice is an evolutionary examination, where females select males who pass a test of quality based on proxy measures (such as bright orange feathers). Herein, we report deceptive elements to honest signaling in carotenoid-colored birds, compare this to the same phenomeon in embryo selection, and reference similar findings from the social sciences. First, we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and spectrophotometry to comprehensively quantify coloration from microstructures and pigments in the tanager genus Ramphocelus. We find four indicators of deceptive elements to this signal; for example, males (but not females) evolved elaborate microstructures to amplify colors, and males and females within a species have equivalent amounts and types of carotenoids (which is surprising if they are honest-because-costly). We propose that males have an evolutionary incentive to mate regardless of quality, which may lead to the corruption of honest signals. Mate selection is analogous to embryo selection: maternal bodies test proxy measures of embryo health, which are corrupted through selection on the differing interests of parents and offspring (“parent-offspring conflict”). In fields such as health care and education, Campbell’s and Goodhart’s Laws state that once a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure. For example, test-taking ability supposedly measures school quality, but also determines school funding. This may cause “teaching to the test,” where the proxy (test-taking) improves but educational outcomes stay the same or worsen. Through mate choice, embryo selection, and Campbell’s/Goodhart’s Laws, we show that honest signaling is susceptible to some degree of corruption.
