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5 - Colourations, Sexual Selection and Mating Behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 August 2020

David Costantini  and
Giacomo Dell'Omo
David Costantini
Affiliation:
Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris
Giacomo Dell'Omo
Affiliation:
Ornis italica
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Summary

Production of secondary sexual traits is a key component of reproductive investment in many sexually reproducing species. In this chapter, we have illustrated the secondary sexual traits and behaviours that are implicated in mate choice; the potential meaning of colourations of females and of their eggs as postmating sexual traits; and the signalling role of colourations in young kestrels. We have also described the biochemical bases of body colourations and the physiological costs associated with their production.

Keywords

CarotenoidsEgg colourationFeminised phenotypeMate choiceMelaninsSexual dimorphism
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Chapter
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The Kestrel
Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation of an Open-Land Predator
 , pp. 57 - 80
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2020

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