Meeting Abstract

95.4  Monday, Jan. 6 14:15  The role of ecology in shaping female competitive traits: Resource availability, aggression and nest success in two populations of superb fairy-wren CAIN, KE*; COCKBURN, A; LANGMORE, NE; Australian National University; Australian National University; Australian National University kristalcain@gmail.com

Weapons, ornaments, and agonistic behaviors are common in both sexes, but until recently most research has focused on the role of sexual selection in shaping male traits. In contrast, we know little about the ecological and evolutionary forces that shape the expression of these traits in females. The limited available data suggests that these traits are used to compete for access to limited reproductive resources. If so, variation in ecology is likely an important factor shaping the evolution of female competitive traits. However, the importance of resource availability in mediating female competition, or altering the consequences of variation in female competitive traits, is currently unresolved. Here we explore the eco/evolutionary forces that influence female competition by contrasting two populations of superb fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus) that differ in habitat quality, and examining the relationships between resource availability, reproductive success, female competition and competitive trait expression. We found that when resources were more limited, females had reduced reproductive success and responded more intensely to simulated competitors. We also found that the relationship between competitive ability and reproductive success differed according to resource availability. We conclude that ecology likely plays an important role for determining the optimal level of competitive trait expression in females.