Document Detail


Mimicry as a novel pathway linking biodiversity functions and individual behavioural performances.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20861043     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
The feedback of biodiversity on individual trait variation is a poorly explored mechanistic pathway in ecological research. We analysed the relationship between biodiversity and individual performance by focusing on vocal mimicry, a widespread interaction that may serve in intra- and interspecific communication. We studied the songs of two lark species (genus Galerida) that increase the complexity of their song displays by mimicking other birds, and analysed the influence of bird species richness on individual song performance. The diversity of mimicked species and the prevalence of mimicry increased in areas characterized by great α and γ diversity (i.e. where larks experience more diverse encounters with community members, many of them being highly vocal owing to breeding). Conversely, the variability in species-specific song components peaked where larks were abundant, probably matching the complexity of conspecific social milieu. Some trade-offs existed between homo- and heterospecific complexity, suggesting that larks could change from population- to community-driven song variation by tracking the composition of the auditory environment. Mimicry, which serves communication with conspecifics or predators, may mediate interactions, ultimately cascading to aspects of ecological diversity other than those promoting its complexity.
Authors:
Paola Laiolo; José Ramón Obeso; Yari Roggia
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-09-22
Journal Detail:
Title:  Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society     Volume:  278     ISSN:  1471-2954     ISO Abbreviation:  Proc. Biol. Sci.     Publication Date:  2011 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-02-25     Completed Date:  2011-06-09     Revised Date:  2012-04-09    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101245157     Medline TA:  Proc Biol Sci     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  1072-81     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
ICAB, CSIC and Oviedo University, 33071 Oviedo, Spain. paola.laiolo@gmail.com
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Acoustics
Adaptation, Physiological
Animals
Biodiversity
Biological Evolution
Environment
Learning*
Mating Preference, Animal
Passeriformes / genetics,  physiology*
Spain
Species Specificity
Vocalization, Animal*

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


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