Sexual selection on brain size in shorebirds (Charadriiformes)

• DOI: 10.1111/jeb.12104
• Publication Date: 2013-03-14T07:57:28Z
• Authors: G. E. García‐Peña; D. Sol; A. N. Iwaniuk; T. Székely
• Keywords: Mating preferences

Abstract Natural selection is considered a major force shaping brain size evolution in vertebrates, whereas the influence of sexual remains controversial. On one hand, could promote enlargement by enhancing cognitive skills needed to compete for mates. other favour reduction due trade‐offs between investing tissue and sexually selected traits. These opposed predictions are mirrored contradictory relationships proxies relative body size. Here, we report phylogenetic comparative analysis that highlights potential flaws interpreting size‐mating system associations as effects on shorebirds ( C haradriiformes), taxonomic group with an outstanding diversity breeding systems. Considering many ecological effects, was not significantly correlated testis In polyandrous species, however, sizes males females were smaller than monogamous had males. Although these findings consistent reducing size, they also be deserting parental care, which common feature species. Furthermore, our analyses suggested evolved faster thus may confounding effect mating The association only but rather, multiple simultaneous effects.