A phylogenetic interpretation of sexual dimorphism in body size and ornament in relation to mating system in birds

Abstract

AbstractSexual dimorphism in body size and ornament is commonly assumed to be a result of sexual selection. Therefore, a pattern among species is expected where the type of mating system correlates with the degree of sexual dimorphism. This was analysed using comparative data on birds using an autocorrelation model. Mating system did correlate with sexual dimorphism in ornament (tail), but was only weakly correlated with sexual size (tarsus) dimorphism. Polygynous species were significantly larger than monogamous species. After correcting for size, there was no difference in size dimorphism between polygynous and monogamous species. The reverse was true for tail dimorphism; polygynous species exhibited a larger degree of tail dimorphism, but there was no difference in absolute size of the tail. This pattern suggests that an evolutionary change in mating system is associated with a change in overall size, and in degree of dimorphism in secondary sexual traits.