Abstract
Four phenotypic attributes of male zebra finches were investigated to determine if observed variability predicts relatedness. Traits studied included three secondary sexual traits (bill colour, breast band and throat stripes), and one species-specific character (eye stripes). To score similarities, two series of pairs were created, with half of all pairs containing same-clutch siblings, the other half non-siblings (r≤1/8). Sibling were found to be more similar than non-siblings with respect to eye and throat stripe attributes, but not with regard to breast band size and bill colour. A human observer predicted which sets contained siblings with considerable accuracy. Results suggest that family resemblances for some visual traits are sufficiently great that they could be used by zebra finches in the process of phenotype matching. In birds, visual similarities may be more reliable indicators of relatedness than auditory similarities, due to the important role of learning in the acquisition of bird song.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
