Date of Award

4-19-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

School of Biological Sciences

First Advisor

Charles F Thompson

Second Advisor

Scott K Sakaluk

Abstract

Beautiful and abundant, bird song has long captured the attention of evolutionary biologists interested in sexual selection. Although most studies have examined single facets of song in relation to male-male competition (intrasexual selection) and female mate choice (intersexual selection), selection typically acts on multiple components that collectively influence an individual’s mating success. By studying how multiple components of song simultaneously play a role in male-male competition and female mate choice, we can better understand how sexual selection has directly and indirectly shaped this elaborate trait. I explored the role of male song in the context of sexual selection in northern house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), a species with exceptionally complex song and large song-type repertoires. Male song in this species is clearly important in both intra- and intersexual contexts, however, the specific song components that elicit aggression in males and attract females remain unknown. In this research, I describe (1) how males respond to a simulated threat of cuckoldry imposed by song in the wild, (2) the notes, song-types, and song production patterns of males breeding in north-central Illinois, and (3) the relationship between song structure and fitness across different episodes of selection.

Comments

Imported from DiSciullo_ilstu_0092E_12402.pdf

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2023.20231004061828016585.999985

Page Count

129

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