Is female mate choice of two parapatric bulbuls (Pycnonotus sinensis formosae and P. taivanus) a mechanism for premating reproductive isolation?
Date Issued
2014
Date
2014
Author(s)
Fang, Hui-Shih
Abstract
Hybrid zone has been regarded as “the window on evolutionary process.” The dynamics of hybrid zone are closely related with the gene flow between the two adjacent populations, which have been reported in many cases to be hindered by female mate choice. Positive assortative mating can lead to reinforcement, and thus prevents the hybrid zone from expanding. There are two parapatric Pycnonotus species in Taiwan, P. sinensis formosae and P. taivanus. Although the two bulbuls can be distinguished by their distributions and distinct patterns of head plumage, they are similar in size, breeding season, dietary habits, song and behavior. In addition, recent studies by genetic markers have shown that they are actually sister taxa, diverging from one ancestor. Despite the existence of hybrid zones, the distributions of these two species have remained stable. To understand whether there is differential mating preference, we examined the female mate choice of both P. s. formosae and P. taivanus between conspecific and heterospecific males in a designed aviary. Trial birds were collected from outside hybrid zones. Results from trials revealed positive assortative mating in the two species, suggesting premating reproductive isolation between the two parapatric bulbul species and head plumage color pattern likely a primary cue for mate choice.
Subjects
白頭翁
烏頭翁
生殖隔離
雜交帶
頭羽顏色
Type
thesis
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